Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

Why in news?

Justice P.S. Narasimha has criticized the anthropocentric bias of imported environmental principles like ‘inter-generational equity’, arguing - inadequate for protecting the Great Indian Bustard.

• Scientific Name – Ardeotis nigriceps.
• Family – Otididae.
• It is a flagship species for the health of grassland ecosystems.
• It is among the heaviest flying birds in the world.
• Population – There are currently 200 individuals worldwide.
• Habitat – It inhabit arid and semi-arid grasslands, open country with thorn scrub, and tall grass interspersed with cultivation, generally avoiding irrigated areas.
• Distribution range – Fewer than 150 Bustards are found in the Rajasthan alone.
• Small and scattered populations exists in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Appearance – Distinctive black crown on forehead, pale neck and head, brownish body with wings marked in black, brown, and grey.
• Size – Males are generally larger than females, weighing between 8 to 18 kg, while females are considerably smaller.

• Diet – Omnivorous with seasonal diet variation; feeds on insects, small rodents, seeds, and grasses.
• Behavior – They are primarily terrestrial birds, spending most of their time on the ground.
• Threats – Habitat loss from agriculture, mining, infrastructure, along with collisions with power lines (leading cause of adult mortality).
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN – Critically endangered.
  • CITES – Appendix I.
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I

To know about Great Indian Bustards’ Recovery Program, click here

References

1. The Hindu | Petition on the conservation of Great Indian Bustard
2. WWF | Great Indian Bustard