From the edge of extinction, two captive-bred Great Indian Bustards released into wild in Rajasthan

The Great Indian Bustard, once widespread across India, now grapples with a population below 150 individuals confined primarily to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Habitat loss and human encroachment have been the primary drivers of this decline. Grasslands, the bustard's natural habitat, were often deemed wasteland, leading to neglect and degradation. Additionally, the expansion of high-voltage transmission lines and windmills has posed new threats, as the birds' poor vision often causes fatal collisions with overhead power lines.

In 2021, the Supreme Court prohibited the construction of new overhead power transmission lines within a 99,000 square kilometer area of the bustard's habitat in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The court later relaxed this restriction, reducing the affected area to about 14,000 square kilometers and allowing more time for the installation of underground lines.

In 2016, India launched a captive breeding project to revive the Great Indian Bustard population, with the number of captive birds reaching 98 by June 2026, including 38 born through artificial insemination.

On Sunday, two captive-bred Great Indian Bustards were released into the wild at Desert National Park in Jaisalmer, marking a new phase in the conservation efforts. Extensive rewilding training was provided to these birds at a specially designed facility, enabling them to adapt to natural sunlight, temperature variations, and hunt for prey and find water. This release will serve as a guide for future conservation efforts, monitoring the birds' reproduction in the wild to assess the project's success.