India to release ten captive-bred Great Indian Bustards in Rajasthan

Ten captive-bred Great Indian Bustards are scheduled for release in Jaisalmer district on October 3 and 4, as part of an ongoing species recovery programme. The birds will be released at two locations—Ramdevra and Sudasari—both in western Rajasthan.

The Great Indian Bustard, one of the world's rarest birds, has faced severe population decline due to habitat loss, hunting, and collisions with power lines. The species is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. India's bustard population, once numbering in the thousands, has dwindled to fewer than 150 individuals in the wild.

The release represents a collaborative effort aimed at establishing breeding populations and expanding the bird's range across suitable habitats. Jaisalmer, with its grassland ecosystems, offers suitable terrain for the species' survival and reproduction. Captive breeding programmes have been instrumental in producing birds for reintroduction efforts.

Conservationists emphasize that successful reintroduction requires not only breeding and releasing birds but also sustained habitat management and protection from ongoing threats. The initiative is expected to contribute meaningfully to preventing the species' extinction in India.