Battling to rescue the Great Indian bustard from the brink

From setting aside designated grasslands to conservation breeding facility, the government and Bishnoi community, known for its dedication to flora and fauna, besides other concerned individuals are toiling to save the species now confined only to Jaisalmer,  writes Deepanwita Gita Niyogi

Once found in states like Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Haryana, the Great Indian bustard is now limited only to Rajasthan. Currently, there are two sets of population found in Jaisalmer district of the state. One is in the Desert National Park, which is a protected area. The other one is found in Pokhran, where India conducted a series of nuclear tests in May 1998. “Though Pokhran is an Indian army base, the Great Indian bustard also uses the area as its habitat. They breed here and come out in the winter season,” said Sujit Shivaji Narwade, the deputy director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). According to Narwade, who is based in Rajasthan, the society has set aside a grassland for the protection of the Great Indian bustard, which is a critically endangered species.

Land use changes due to agricultural activities and a focus on renewable energy like solar have impacted the habitat of the species. Over a phone conversation, Narwade said that the local Bishnoi community, who resides in and around Pokhran, supported the society’s conservation efforts. “The community liked the idea that the BNHS wanted to conserve the bird and protect its habitat in Jaisalmer. So, many of them showed willingness to work with the society. In this regard, around 35 hectares of land was set aside for the bird’s protection and fenced,” Narwade added.

As almost all the areas inhabited by the Great Indian bustard are overgrazed, this particular patch owned by the Bishnois at Khetolai is now under protection. After two years, BNHS will allow some amount of grazing to control the extent of overgrown grasses. It is a small, but a major habitat for the species. Over the years, the population of the Great Indian bustard declined due to several reasons. The birds collide with power lines as a result of poor frontal vision and meet with death. There are ground disturbances, such as the presence of human beings and dogs. These are direct threats as the birds lay eggs on the ground which make them vulnerable. The Great Indian bustard also reproduces slowly.