Great Indian Bustard Chick Born in Gujarat through 'Jumpstart Approach'
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A Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick was successfully born in Gujarat, marking a significant conservation milestone.
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This achievement, the first in a decade, utilized a 'jumpstart approach' to aid the recovery of the critically endangered species.
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The young chick is currently being reared by a foster mother in its natural habitat under continuous monitoring.
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The GIB is one of India's most endangered bird species, classified as 'Critically Endangered' by the IUCN.
- ●A Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick was born in Gujarat, a first in ten years, using a 'jumpstart approach'.
- ●The GIB is listed as 'Critically Endangered' on the IUCN Red List.
- ●The chick is being observed in its natural habitat under the care of a foster mother.
- ●This success is part of ongoing intensive conservation efforts for the species.
Critically Endangered (CR) & Jumpstart Approach
A 'Critically Endangered' species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, as per IUCN Red List criteria. This status necessitates urgent and intensive conservation efforts. The 'jumpstart approach' in conservation refers to proactive, often human-assisted, interventions like artificial incubation, captive breeding, or fostering programs. These methods aim to rapidly increase the population of a species when natural reproduction rates are insufficient to prevent extinction, thereby giving a 'jumpstart' to recovery efforts.
Simple Analogy: Imagine a patient in critical condition needing immediate, intensive care to survive, rather than just natural recovery. The 'jumpstart approach' is like that intensive care for a critically endangered species.
Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
An autonomous institution under the MoEFCC, involved in wildlife research, management, and training, playing a key role in GIB conservation projects.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
Nodal agency for planning, promotion, coordination, and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry policies and programs in India.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it, maintaining the Red List of Threatened Species.
Species Recovery Programme (under CAMPA)
To recover critically endangered species, including the Great Indian Bustard, by implementing targeted conservation actions.
Key: Funded by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds, focusing on habitat improvement, protection, and breeding programs.
Project Great Indian Bustard (Rajasthan)
A state-specific initiative by the Rajasthan government to protect and conserve the GIB.
Key: Focuses on habitat management, anti-poaching measures, and community participation in GIB habitats within Rajasthan.
National Action Plan for GIB
A broader national strategy to ensure the long-term survival of the GIB across its range.
Key: Involves coordination among various states, research institutions, and local communities for comprehensive conservation.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
The Great Indian Bustard is listed under Schedule I of this Act, granting it the highest level of legal protection against hunting and trade.
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
The GIB is a migratory species, and India is a signatory to CMS, which aims to conserve migratory species and their habitats globally. India hosted COP13 of CMS in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in 2020, with the GIB as its mascot.
The Great Indian Bustard is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Its primary habitats are arid and semi-arid grasslands, scrublands, and open country. Historically found across 11 states, its population is now fragmented and largely confined to a few key areas.
Exam Relevance
GS Paper III: Environment & Ecology, Biodiversity, Conservation.
General Awareness: Wildlife, Environment, Current Affairs.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Environmental Issues.
General Awareness: Environment, Geography, Current Affairs.
General Awareness: Environment, Wildlife Conservation.
Previously Asked (PYQs)
What is/are the importance/importances of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification? 1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships. 2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions. 3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: 1 and 3 only
Consider the following statements: 1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges. 2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range. 3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats. How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: None
Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
Answer: Central Ground Water Authority
Expected Questions
- ★UPSC may ask statement-based questions on the GIB's IUCN status, legal protection, key conservation projects, and its geographical distribution.
- ★SSC/Banking/Railway exams may ask direct factual questions about the GIB's conservation status, the state where it was recently born, or major GIB habitats.
Topic Frequency
Medium-High for UPSC (endangered species and conservation are recurring themes), Medium for other exams.
Key Terms
Highest risk category for species in the wild before extinction, as per IUCN.
Intensive, human-assisted conservation interventions to rapidly boost population numbers.
Indian legislation providing legal protection to wild animals, birds, and plants.
A key protected area for GIB in Rajasthan.
Must Remember
- •The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is 'Critically Endangered' by IUCN.
- •It is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- •Major habitats are arid grasslands in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
- •Conservation efforts include the Species Recovery Programme and state-specific projects.
Exam Tips
- •Focus on the specific conservation status (IUCN Red List categories) of important species.
- •Understand the legal framework (Acts, Schedules) and major government initiatives/schemes related to wildlife protection.
- •Be aware of the geographical distribution and key protected areas for critically endangered species.
- •Familiarize yourself with different conservation strategies like captive breeding, fostering, and habitat restoration.