The great Indian bustard, recognized as a critically endangered bird in India, has received promising news with the recent hatching of a chick conceived through artificial insemination in Rajasthan. Wildlife officials proudly announced this milestone, marking the first successful offspring of this species achieved through artificial means.
In a groundbreaking initiative, an adult male bustard at a breeding center in Jaisalmer city was expertly trained to produce sperm without engaging in mating. This sperm was then transported to another center located approximately 200 kilometers away, where it was used to impregnate an adult female bustard. Wildlife experts believe this success could lead to the development of a much-needed sperm bank for the species.
The great Indian bustard has suffered significantly over the years due to habitat destruction, hunting, and dangerous collisions with overhead power lines, resulting in a decline from over 1,000 individuals in the 1960s to just around 150 today. Most of these birds reside in Jaisalmer, prompting conservation advocates to stress the importance of protecting their natural habitat, currently threatened by the expansion of renewable energy projects.
While lesser-known compared to the peacock, India's national bird, the great Indian bustard remains a magnificent creature, weighing between 15 to 18 kg and historically scattered across 11 states. Today, its population is primarily limited to Rajasthan, with a few observed in Karnataka and Gujarat. The bird is vital to the ecosystem, preying on various small rodents and pests.
Conservation ecologist Sumit Dookia noted the unique evolutionary characteristics of the great Indian bustard contribute to its vulnerability. Its large size limits agility and, coupled with its poor frontal vision, leaves it susceptible to collisions with power lines. Furthermore, the bird's nesting behaviors add to its challenges; it lays eggs directly on the ground, exposing them to predators and environmental threats.
In response to the declining population, the Rajasthan government has collaborated with federal authorities and the Wildlife Institute of India to establish breeding centers in Jaisalmer. Since 2018, efforts have been made to incubate collected eggs, leading to a current count of 45 birds, including some born through artificial insemination.
However, challenges persist. Birds raised in captivity have become imprinted on human caretakers, which can hinder their ability to adapt and fend for themselves when reintroduced to the wild. Additionally, the loss of natural habitats has resulted in diminished migratory patterns among the remaining bustard population, heightening risks of inbreeding.
A recent Supreme Court ruling cautioned conservationists, denying previous orders to prioritize underground power lines in key bird habitats, favoring the interests of renewable energy firms. While advocates challenge this ruling as a flawed approach to conservation, they continue to label the preservation of natural habitats as crucial for the survival of the great Indian bustard, arguing both bird and human futures are intertwined in this delicate balance.
As Rajasthan's seat of renewable energy development grows, experts urge for a more sustainable approach—advocating not just for the survival of the great Indian bustard but also for the ecological integrity of the region as a whole.
