• UGI USER
  • Jul 01, 2024
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NEXT PHASE OF THE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR THE GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD (GIB)

Why in the news?

  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has sanctioned ₹56 crore for the next phase of the conservation plan for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican.
  • This phase includes habitat development, in-situ conservation, and completion of the conservation breeding center, among other activities.
Source: UGI

Key Components of the Plan

First Component:

  • Complete Conservation Breeding Centre in Jaisalmer.
  • Develop Sorsan Lesser Florican facility, prepare for releasing captive-bred birds.
  • Implement artificial insemination to ensure genetic diversity and boost fertility.

Second Component:

  • Conduct in-situ conservation in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Collaborate with Abu Dhabi’s International Fund for Houbara Conservation for artificial insemination techniques.
Great Indian Bustard:

Status and Habitat:

o   Rajasthan’s State bird, critically endangered in India.

o   Found mainly in Rajasthan and Gujarat, with smaller populations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Threats:

o   Faces dangers from power lines, hunting (including in Pakistan), and habitat loss due to agriculture.

Conservation Measures:

o   Internationally classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN.

o   Listed under CITES Appendix I and CMS Appendix I.

o   Protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/the-great-indian-bustard-and-climate-action-verdict/