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Great Indian Bustard Conservation Project Wins National Award

Source:drishtiias ↗

Why It Matters

Crucial for RPSC RAS aspirants tracking wildlife conservation awards, state symbols (Godawan), and endangered species protection programs within Rajasthan.

Summary

The Great Indian Bustard Conservation Project has received acclaim and top honors for its exemplary efforts in preserving Rajasthan's state bird, the Great Indian Bustard (Godawan), through rigorous habitat restoration, breeding programs, and mitigation of threats in the Thar Desert region.

Key Points

  • The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), locally known as Godawan and Rajasthan's state bird, is a critically endangered species facing severe population decline primarily due to habitat loss and overhead power transmission lines.
  • Conservation initiatives like the Great Indian Bustard Conservation Project have achieved significant recognition, highlighting successful captive breeding, habitat protection, and community involvement in Rajasthan.
  • Key habitats include Desert National Park in Jaisalmer and regions across the Thar Desert.

Important Terms

Great Indian Bustard Conservation Project

A flagship state conservation initiative launched to protect Rajasthan's state bird, the Great Indian Bustard (Godawan), through captive breeding, habitat restoration in the Thar Desert, and threat mitigation.

UPSC context

Important for RPSC (Rajasthan Administrative Services) Paper III - Biodiversity, Environmental Conservation, and State Wildlife Initiatives.

Source

Prelims Trap

Ex-situ conservation breeding centers for the Great Indian Bustard have been established exclusively within the Desert National Park sanctuary boundaries.

Aspirants often confuse ex-situ breeding locations (Sam and Ramdevra in Jaisalmer) with the entire Desert National Park spread across Jaisalmer and Barmer.

Static Concepts Connected

Rajasthan Environment and Biodiversity

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

  • Conservation Status: Critically Endangered status under the IUCN Red List due to severe habitat loss and fragmentation.
  • Legal Protection: Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, offering the highest level of legal protection in India.
  • Key Habitat: Desert National Park in Jaisalmer and Barmer is the primary natural habitat protecting the remaining wild population.
  • Primary Threat: Power transmission line collisions are the primary anthropogenic threat to adult birds in the Thar landscape.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Renewable Energy Corridors vs. Wildlife Protection

    High-voltage power transmission lines are the leading cause of adult GIB mortality, linking state renewable energy push (solar/wind in Thar) with wildlife conservation challenges.

  • Ex-situ Breeding and State Wildlife Statutes

    The GIB ex-situ breeding centers in Sam and Ramdevra highlight Rajasthan's unique biodiversity role under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 schedule species.

GIB conservation status, Desert National Park, and power line mitigation measures will likely be tested in RPSC RAS prelims/mains.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2023RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

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

  • 2025RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Choose the incorrect statement with respect to the Rajasthan Forestry and Biodiversity Project (Phase-2).