In a landmark moment for wildlife conservation, a Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick was recently born in Gujarat’s Kutch region for the first time in a decade. The milestone was achieved through a novel conservation method known as the jumpstart approach, as announced by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
This initiative, a collaborative effort by the Ministry, State Forest Departments of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and the Wildlife Institute of India, marks the first successful inter-state jump start initiative for the GIB in India. The feat involved transporting a fertile egg from Rajasthan to the grasslands of Kutch, which undertook a 770 km journey without any stops.
The Minister further reported that conservation breeding centers in Rajasthan have reached a total of 73 birds. This development paves the way for rewilding efforts, showcasing a commitment to long-term conservation strategies for this critically endangered species.
(With inputs from agencies.)