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Great Indian Bustard Chick Death Halts Rajasthan Rewilding Project

Source:newindianexpress ↗

Why It Matters

Important for RPSC RAS aspirants tracking wildlife conservation projects, endangered state species like the Great Indian Bustard, and ecological management initiatives in Rajasthan.

Summary

A newly released Great Indian Bustard chick under Rajasthan's rewilding initiative was killed by a fox shortly after release, prompting authorities to temporarily halt the programme for safety reviews.

Key Points

  • A recently released Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick in Rajasthan's rewilding programme was killed by a fox days after its release.
  • Following this tragic incident, the GIB rewilding and release programme has been temporarily put on hold for safety re-evaluation.
  • The Great Indian Bustard is critically endangered and is the state bird of Rajasthan, facing severe threats from habitat fragmentation, predators, and power lines.

Important Terms

Great Indian Bustard Rewilding Programme

A conservation initiative by the Rajasthan Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India to release captive-bred Great Indian Bustards into the wild to revive dwindling populations.

UPSC context

Important for RPSC Papers (Environment & Ecology, Rajasthan Geography & Wildlife): tests knowledge of state-led wildlife conservation projects and endangered species management.

Source
Rajasthan State Biodiversity Authority

A statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, to conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable use, and set up Biodiversity Management Committees in Rajasthan.

UPSC context

Important for RPSC/RAS exams (Environment, Governance & State Institutions): tests statutory bodies, environmental laws, and state biodiversity frameworks.

Source

Prelims Trap

Great Indian Bustard is exclusively protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 without state-level endemic status.

Aspirants often assume the GIB is protected only under national laws; it is also Rajasthan's state bird and specifically prioritized under the National Wildlife Action Plan's species recovery programme.

Static Concepts Connected

Rajasthan Geography & Environment

What are the key ecological characteristics and conservation status of the Great Indian Bustard in Rajasthan?

  • Conservation Status: It is designated as the State Bird of Rajasthan and is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
  • Key Habitat: The Desert National Park in Jaisalmer and Barmer is its primary natural habitat and last remaining stronghold in India.
  • Legal Protection: Included in Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of India's Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, offering highest legal protection.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • GIB Conservation vs Renewable Energy Transmission Lines

    GIB conservation clashes directly with India's green energy corridor goals, as high-voltage overhead transmission lines in Rajasthan are the primary cause of adult GIB mortality.

  • Ex-situ Breeding vs Desert Ecosystem Predator Dynamics

    Ex-situ breeding and rewilding programs for critically endangered species like the GIB require rigorous predator management protocols in arid grassland ecosystems.

GIB conservation status, habitat (Desert National Park), and primary mortality causes (power lines & foxes) are high-yield RPSC items.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2024RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Select the most correct statement regarding the Rajasthan State Biological Park (Phase-II): A. It covers 9 districts and is an initiative of the Rajasthan State Biodiversity Authority (RSBA). B. Achada, Merta and Machala Biological Park have been included in phase-II. C. In phase-II, Bio-Diversity Council, Water Conservation has also been incorporated in its list.

  • 2023RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    The National Tiger Conservation Authority has conferred the status of the fifth tiger sanctuary in Rajasthan, to which of the following sanctuaries?