Two Male Great Indian Bustards Released into Natural Habitat at Desert National Park, Rajasthan

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, released two male Great Indian Bustards into the wild at Sam, located within the Desert National Park in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The event was attended by the state’s Forest and Environment Minister, Sanjay Sharma, alongside senior officials. This release represents a major milestone in the ongoing national efforts to protect the critically endangered species.

Minister Yadav attributed this success to the unwavering dedication of scientists, researchers, and ground staff over the past decade. He expressed gratitude for the continuous guidance and support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that this achievement is a vital step in helping the birds reclaim their natural desert habitat.

This release signifies a strategic shift in India’s conservation program, moving from establishing viable captive-bred populations to rewilding the species. Insights gained from this process will be used to refine protocols for future releases, ensuring the long-term survival of the birds in the wild.

The Bustard Recovery Program is a collaborative initiative involving the Union Environment Ministry, the Rajasthan Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The project receives technical and financial support from the International Fund for Houbara Conservation and National CAMPA, focusing on habitat restoration, threat mitigation, and community engagement.

Currently, the facilities at Sam and Ramdevra house 97 birds, with 40 originating from wild eggs and 57 from captive breeding. Of these, 86 are maintained for breeding purposes, while 11 are designated for release into the wild, including the two released today. Captive breeding efforts have successfully produced 53 live chicks over the last two years.

Innovative scientific approaches, such as the 'jumpstart' method, have also contributed to the program's success. By placing captive-laid eggs into wild nests, researchers successfully hatched eight chicks across Rajasthan and Gujarat. Furthermore, the Rajasthan Forest Department has established 200 square kilometers of fenced grasslands within the park, which have been identified as prime breeding grounds.

All conservation activities are being guided by the recommendations of an expert committee and the directives of the Supreme Court of India. Long-term telemetry studies conducted by the WII continue to play a crucial role in monitoring the birds and ensuring the effectiveness of these habitat restoration efforts.