Great Indian Bustard: How Can We Bring It Back to Grasslands?

The Great Indian Bustard, one of the heaviest flying birds, is seen roaming the arid grasslands it calls home

If you are a nature lover and want to know more about the wildlife of India, then the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) will definitely catch your attention. This giant bird has become important for both environmentalists and bird lovers due to its special size, calm nature, and endangered status. Unfortunately, due to the rapidly declining population and anthropogenic threats, this bird is now on the verge of extinction. This article will introduce you to everything about the Great Indian Bustard that you should know as a responsible citizen and nature lover.

Great Indian Bustard—Summary Table

Section	Summary
What is the GIB?	Large, ground-dwelling bird found in grasslands; can fly short distances.
Habitat & Distribution	Found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, prefers semi-arid grasslands.
Why It’s Endangered	Habitat loss, power lines, poaching, and climate change threaten survival.
Conservation Efforts	Breeding, power line burial, tracking, and awareness campaigns are underway.
Life Cycle	Breeds slowly with one egg/year; lifespan around 10–15 years.
How You Can Help	Support grassland protection, donate, spread awareness, and join campaigns.

How does the Great Indian Bustard look?

Large, long-legged, and hanging-necked, the Great Indian Bustard is mostly found in a few regions of India.

• Its scientific name is Ardeotis nigriceps, and this bird is also known as the Great Indian Bustard.

• It mostly inhabits dry grasslands and open bushes.

• This bird is easily recognized due to its heavy body, strong legs, and long neck.

• The height of the male is more than 1 meter, and it can weigh up to 15 kg.

• It can fly, but flies only for short distances, mostly staying on the ground.

Where does the Great Indian Bustard live? 

The Great Indian Bustard can survive only in those areas where its natural habitat exists.

• These birds are mainly seen in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

• Their favorite habitat is semi-arid grasslands, open fields, and areas full of low-rise bushes.

• These birds prefer quiet and untouched areas, away from human activities.

• Change or destruction of their habitat has a direct impact on their population.

An alert Great Indian Bustard captured in its dry grassland habitat, highlighting its elegance and endangered status

Why is the Great Indian Bustard becoming extinct?

One of India's most endangered birds nowadays is the Great Indian Bustard.

• Encroachment of grasslands, urbanization, and farming have destroyed their habitat.

• High-voltage power lines have become a major threat to their lives; many birds die after colliding with them.

• Poaching and theft of eggs have also affected their population.

• Their breeding cycle is also hampered by environmental imbalance and climate change.

• At present, their number has come down to less than 100, which is a matter of great concern.

How is the Great Indian Bustard conserved?

The Government of India and various organizations are making many efforts to save the Great Indian Bustard.

• The conservation program is actively going on in the Desert National Park of Rajasthan.

• Chicks are being reared artificially by bringing eggs to safe places.

• Their activities are being monitored through radio collaring technology.

• A plan to lay power lines underground is being implemented to reduce bird deaths.

• Awareness campaigns are being run among the general public so that people can understand the importance of these birds.

Distribution of the Great Indian Bustard

State	Key Habitat / Region
Rajasthan	Desert National Park (main population hub)
Gujarat	Kutch grasslands and the Banni area
Maharashtra	Solapur, Nannaj, and the grasslands of Ahmednagar
Karnataka	Bellary and adjoining dry grassland belts
Andhra Pradesh	Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary and dry plains

How does the Great Indian Bustard breed?

The life cycle of this amazing bird is a special creation of nature.

• The male bird attracts the female by dancing during the breeding season.

• The female lays only one egg in a year, which makes the reproduction rate extremely low.

• The female has to take care of the chick for several months to raise it and make it capable of flying.

• Their average lifespan is 10–15 years, but due to the current threats, many birds die at a young age.

How to save the Great Indian Bustard?

As a common citizen, you can also contribute to saving the Great Indian Bustard.

• Do not destroy grasslands, and protect the habitat areas of birds while farming.

• Spread awareness at the local level and tell children about them in schools.

• During photography, take pictures from a distance so that the birds do not get scared.

• Participate in conservation campaigns by joining environmental groups.

• Donate to the forest department or conservation organizations so that they are technically and financially strong.

A creative AI rendition of a baby Great Indian Bustard, symbolizing the urgent need to protect this critically endangered species from extinction

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions (Great Indian Bustard)

Q1: Where can the Great Indian Bustard be seen in India?
The largest population is found in the Desert National Park of Rajasthan.

Q2: Can the Great Indian Bustard fly?
Yes, it can fly, but its flight is limited, and it mostly stays on the ground.

Q3: What does this bird eat?
It may consume seeds, insects, tiny reptiles, and occasionally even small mammals.

Q4: Can this bird go extinct?
If the current situation continues, its extinction is certain.

Q5: What has the government done for this bird?
Conservation centers have been set up, breeding programs started, and there are plans to put power lines underground.

Conclusion

In addition to being a bird, the Great Indian Bustard is part of our nation's natural heritage. Its declining population warns us that if we do not take steps now, this unique bird will remain only in books. We have to make efforts at both the individual and social levels so that future generations can also see it.

Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites

Category	Resources
Online Courses	Bird Conservation – NPTEL Ecology and Wildlife – Coursera Indian Biodiversity – Swayam
Reference Books	Birds of the Indian Subcontinent – Grimmett & Inskipp Threatened Birds of India – Asad Rahmani Field Guide to Indian Birds – Krys Kazmierczak
Websites	bnhs.org birdlife.org en.wikipedia.org