3 Great Indian Bustard chicks born in Jaisalmer via AI, population rises to 76

JAISALMER: A major piece of good news has emerged at the national level from the breeding centres in Jaisalmer. With the help of Artificial Insemination (AI) technology, three new chicks of the critically endangered and Schedule I species, the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), have been born, taking the total population at the centres to 76.This encouraging development from the deserts of Rajasthan reflects growing hope for the survival of the state bird, locally known as Godawan. The increase in numbers is not just natural but has been made possible through modern scientific techniques. Recently, on Wednesday and Saturday, a total of three GIB chicks were born at two breeding centres operated by the Wildlife Institute of India in Jaisalmer. This achievement is the result of sustained efforts under “Project Bustard,” jointly carried out by WII and the Rajasthan Forest Department.Out of the three chicks, two were born at the Sudashri Godawan Breeding Centre, while one chick was born at the Ramdevra Godawan Breeding Centre through artificial insemination (AI). With this success, the total number of GIBs has reached 52 at Ramdevra and 24 at Sudashri.According to Brijmohan Gupta, DCF of Desert National Park, AI technology has proven to be highly effective in GIB conservation. It enables reproduction even in conditions where natural breeding is not possible, making it a lifeline for a species on the brink of extinction.

The Great Indian Bustard is considered one of the most endangered birds in the world. Once widely found across the desert regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Pakistan, its population had declined drastically to just a few dozen in the wild. In this context, the breeding centres in Jaisalmer are writing a new success story.He further informed that on April 1 and 2, three GIB chicks were born at the Ramdevra and Sudashri centres.

On April 1, a chick was born at Ramdevra through AI from a female GIB named Corena and a male named Parv. On April 2, two chicks were born at Sudashri—one from the pair Aman (female) and Oran (male), and another from the pair Karki (female) and Suda (male).WII GIB expert and coordinator of both breeding centres, Suthirto Dutta, stated that these AI-born chicks are being closely monitored by a specialized team. Special attention is being given to their diet, health, and natural behavior to ensure they can adapt well to natural habitats in the future.

This effort is emerging as a model not only for Rajasthan but for the entire country.This achievement is particularly significant in the field of wildlife conservation, as both the central and state governments are working together to save the species. The coordinated use of expert knowledge, modern technology, and scientific methods is driving the success of this mission.Experts believe that the primary reasons for the decline of the GIB population include collisions with high-tension power lines, poaching, and changing environmental conditions.

In response, the Forest Department adopted a strategy of protecting the species in a controlled environment and promoting scientific breeding.This is not just the birth of three chicks, but three new rays of hope. The sands of the desert are now echoing with new life, and the return of the Great Indian Bustard is a matter of pride not only for Rajasthan but for the entire nation.Notably on 21 March After transporting a GIB egg from the breeding centre in Jaisalmer, a successful inter-state conservation effort has led to the hatching of a Great Indian Bustard chick in Gujarat after a decade.