In Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, the Desert National Park has marked the 11 hassle-free births of endangered Great Indian Bustards (GIB). These are critically endangered species.
By a wildlife patrolling team, 11 out of 15 eggs were found in park’s satellite portion. The park area was on close surveillance by a wildlife team from January to June. An official declared on Thursday that, hatching took place very recently.
Commonly, the bustard is known as ‘Godawan’ and is state bird of Rajasthan. For the conservation of this bird, the state government is working on a project called, “Project Godawan”.
Anoop K R (conservator of forest (wildlife) says:
Mostly Godawan eggs fall prey to predators before hatching. Thus, the successful hatching is good news for us. The hatchlings would be able to fly in two to three weeks’ time. We are keeping a close watch on the bird.
The Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun reports that the Desert National Park accommodates 140 those kind of birds. And now, the number has increased to 151 as per the officials.
The bustard (Godawan) is considered as “critically endangered” species and there was a drastic fall in their number because of poaching
These new 11 births has brought a flair of optimism in the “Project Godawan”. This is imperative and very important for Rajasthan to save the population of this endangered species.
The bird, Great Indian Bustard is mainly found in India and nearby areas of Pakistan. The bird has horizontal shaped body and shows off its tall bare legs. The bird resembles very much to ostrich and is one of the heaviest among the flying birds. The bird fell into the category of endangered species because of increased hunting and loss of habitat. The bird is protected under Wildlife Protection Act 1972 of India and has been kept under regular surveillance for saving it.
