Indian Bustard

Why in news?

• The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is one of the heaviest birds that can fly and with only four females surviving in Gujarat the state forest department is reconciled to their flight in to oblivion.

About Indian Bustard:

• The Great Indian Bustard or Indian bustard is among the heaviest of the flying birds.
• Once common on the dry plains of the Indian subcontinent, as few as 130 individuals were estimated to survive in 2019
• They are classified as critically endangered in IUCN red list.
• This species was formerly widespread in India and Pakistan.
• Today the bustard is restricted to isolated pockets in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan (shared with Pakistan).
• The habitat where it is most often found is arid and semi-arid grasslands, open country with thorn scrub, tall grass interspersed with cultivation. It avoids irrigated areas.

Threats and conservation efforts:

• The biggest threat to this species is hunting and occasional poaching outside Protected Areas.
• Other threats include habitat loss and alteration as a result of widespread agricultural expansion and mechanized farming, infrastructural development such as irrigation, roads, electric poles, as well as mining and industrialization.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Indian Bustard’:

1. They are classified as critically endangered in IUCN red list.

2. They are found only in Himalayas

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

                          A

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