Great Indian Bustard: UPSC Key Notes & Top 15 MCQs

The Great Indian Bustard is one of India’s heaviest flying birds, known for its tall stature, long legs, and distinctive black crown. It inhabits grasslands and semi-arid regions, depending on open landscapes for feeding, breeding, and survival. Once widespread, its population has drastically declined due to habitat loss and hunting pressures.

Classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, the Great Indian Bustard is now restricted mainly to Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat. Its slow breeding rate, extensive space requirement, and collisions with power lines severely threaten survival. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, predator control, captive breeding, and reducing infrastructural risks across its shrinking range.

How the Topic (Great Indian Bustard) Is Useful for UPSC & Other Exams

The Great Indian Bustard frequently appears in UPSC due to its conservation status, habitat loss, protected area programs, and relevance to biodiversity, environment, wildlife laws, and government initiatives. Questions relate to species protection, threats, Project GIB, renewable energy conflict, environmental ethics, and ecological significance, making it a high-yield exam topic.

Quick Revision Notes - Great Indian Bustard

Keyword Definitions (UPSC / SSC / RRB / SEBI / IBPS / NDA Exams)

• Great Indian Bustard: A critically endangered large bird native to India’s grasslands. It requires open habitats for breeding and feeding. Its declining population highlights habitat loss, hunting threats, and urgent conservation needs.

• Grassland Ecosystem: An ecosystem dominated by grasses, shrubs, and open landscapes. Grasslands support species like bustards, antelopes, and predators, playing important roles in carbon storage, the grazing cycle, and biodiversity maintenance.

• Critically Endangered: A category under the IUCN Red List representing species facing extremely high extinction risk. The Great Indian Bustard falls under this category due to rapid population decline and habitat fragmentation.

• Power Line Collision: A major threat where birds collide with overhead transmission wires, leading to fatalities. Large birds with limited manoeuvrability, like the Great Indian Bustard, are highly vulnerable to this risk.

• Project Great Indian Bustard: A conservation initiative aimed at protecting the species through habitat restoration, predator control, community participation, and captive breeding. It focuses on reducing power line threats and improving survival rates.

• Breeding Display (Lek Behavior): A mating behaviour where males perform elaborate displays in open areas to attract females. Bustards rely on undisturbed landscapes for successful lekking and reproduction.

• Habitat Fragmentation: The breaking of large habitats into smaller patches due to human activities. Fragmentation disrupts breeding, feeding, and movement patterns of species like the Great Indian Bustard.

• Keystone Species: A species whose presence influences ecosystem balance significantly. Though not a classical keystone, the bustard helps maintain grassland health by controlling insects and promoting plant diversity.

• Carrying Capacity: The maximum population an ecosystem can support without degradation. Grasslands with disturbed vegetation cannot sustain adequate prey, shelter or breeding grounds for Great Indian Bustards.

• Captive Breeding: The process of breeding endangered species under protected environments to increase the population. For bustards, captive breeding aims to release individuals back into safe habitats.

• Biodiversity Hotspot: A region rich in species but threatened by habitat loss. Though bustards mainly occur outside hotspots, grassland diversity highlights the urgency of landscape-level conservation measures.

Message to Students: Keep learning with curiosity. Understanding endangered species strengthens your environment concepts for UPSC and other competitive exams.

Multiple Choice Questions - Great Indian Bustard

🌿 STRAIGHT MCQs

1. The Great Indian Bustard is listed under which IUCN category?
a) Vulnerable
b) Endangered
c) Critically Endangered
d) Near Threatened

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

The Great Indian Bustard is classified as Critically Endangered due to severe population decline caused by habitat loss, hunting pressures and power line collisions. Answer: c

2. The largest population of Great Indian Bustards is found in:
a) Madhya Pradesh
b) Rajasthan
c) Assam
d) Tamil Nadu

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Rajasthan hosts the largest remaining population of Great Indian Bustards, mainly in Desert National Park, making it the species’ most important stronghold. Answer: b

3. The primary habitat of the Great Indian Bustard is:
a) Tropical forests
b) Coastal wetlands
c) Grasslands and scrublands
d) Himalayan slopes

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

The Great Indian Bustard depends on open grasslands and scrublands, which provide space for feeding, nesting and lekking displays essential for breeding success. Answer: c

4. Which threat most severely impacts Great Indian Bustard survival?
a) Urban noise
b) Power line collisions
c) Excess rainfall
d) Winter migration failure

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Power line collisions are a major cause of mortality, as bustards have limited manoeuvrability and fly low, making overhead wires extremely dangerous. Answer: b

5. Project Great Indian Bustard primarily focuses on:
a) Wetland restoration
b) Captive breeding and habitat protection
c) Coral reef recovery
d) River rejuvenation

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Project Great Indian Bustard emphasizes captive breeding, habitat restoration, reducing power line threats and community support to ensure species survival. Answer: b

🌿 FILL IN THE BLANKS

6. The Great Indian Bustard is mainly found in ______ regions.
a) Grassland
b) Dense forests
c) Mountains
d) Mangroves

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The Great Indian Bustard depends on grassland ecosystems, which provide food, breeding sites and open space required for survival. Answer: a

7. The main cause of GIB mortality is collision with ______.
a) Buildings
b) Vehicles
c) Power lines
d) Windmills

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Overhead power lines pose a serious collision threat because bustards fly low and cannot detect wires effectively. Answer: c

8. The primary breeding behaviour of GIB is known as ______.
a) Roosting
b) Lekking
c) Flocking
d) Gliding

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Lek behaviour involves males performing elaborate courtship displays in open landscapes to attract females. Answer: b

9. The Great Indian Bustard is protected under Schedule ______ of the Wildlife Protection Act.
a) I
b) II
c) III
d) IV

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Schedule I offers the highest legal protection in India, restricting hunting and habitat destruction for critically endangered species. Answer: a

🌿 STATEMENT-BASED MCQs

10. Consider the following:
1. GIB is a ground-nesting bird.
2. It prefers dense forest habitats.
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Both
d) None

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GIB nests on the ground in open grasslands, not dense forests. Habitat openness is crucial for breeding and protection. Answer: a

11. Statements:
1. GIB population is increasing due to strong conservation.
2. It faces threats from renewable energy infrastructure.
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Both
d) None

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

GIB population continues to decline, and renewable energy structures like power lines threaten their movement and flight safety. Answer: b

🌿 ASSERTION–REASON MCQs

12. Assertion (A): GIB numbers are critically low.
Reason (R): Loss of grassland habitats is a major cause.
a) A and R correct; R explains A
b) A and R correct; R does not explain A
c) A correct; R incorrect
d) A incorrect; R correct

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Grassland destruction directly impacts bustard survival by removing nesting, feeding and breeding areas, explaining population decline. Answer: a

13. Assertion (A): Bustards have high mortality near wind farms.
Reason (R): Turbine blades create strong air currents.
a) A and R correct; R explains A
b) A and R correct; R does not explain A
c) A correct; R false
d) Both false

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Wind turbines are dangerous mainly due to collision risks, not air currents. Blades directly strike flying bustards. Answer: c

🌿 MATCHING MODEL MCQs

List I	List II
A. GIB Habitat	(i) Schedule I
B. GIB Threat	(ii) Power Lines
C. GIB Behaviour	(iii) Lekking
D. Legal Protection	(iv) Grasslands
Options: a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv b) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii c) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii d) A-iv, B-ii, C-iii, D-i

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

GIB lives in grasslands, threatened by power lines, shows lekking and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Act. Answer: d

List I	List II
A. IUCN Status	(i) Rajasthan
B. Stronghold State	(ii) Critically Endangered
C. Feeding Type	(iii) Omnivorous
D. Major Project	(iv) Project GIB
Options: a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv b) A-ii, B-i, C-iii, D-iv c) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii d) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

GIB is Critically Endangered, Rajasthan is its stronghold, it is omnivorous and conservation is strengthened by Project GIB. Answer: b

Final Message for Aspirants: Protecting endangered species begins with awareness. Strengthen your understanding of conservation issues to excel in UPSC and contribute to India’s ecological future.

Short Answer Questions (UPSC Mains) - Great Indian Bustard

1. Why is the Great Indian Bustard considered a critically endangered species?
The Great Indian Bustard is critically endangered due to rapid habitat loss, power line collisions, hunting pressures, and extremely slow breeding rates. Its survival depends on urgent conservation efforts addressing these interacting threats effectively.

2. Discuss the role of grasslands in sustaining Great Indian Bustard populations.
Grasslands provide breeding space, food sources, and display sites essential for Great Indian Bustard survival. Habitat fragmentation, encroachment, and land-use changes severely threaten these ecosystems, directly impacting population stability and recovery potential.

3. Why are power lines a major threat to the Great Indian Bustard?
Power lines cause fatal collisions as bustards fly low and have limited manoeuvrability. Their poor forward vision increases risk, making overhead wires a critical conservation concern requiring mitigation.

4. Explain the importance of captive breeding in GIB conservation.
Captive breeding supports population recovery by producing individuals for reintroduction into safe habitats. It helps address low reproduction rates and creates a genetic reservoir crucial for long-term survival.

5. How does renewable energy expansion impact Great Indian Bustards?
Renewable projects like wind farms and transmission lines intersect grassland habitats, increasing collision risks and disturbing bustard movements. Balancing energy needs with conservation is vital to protect this species.

6. Discuss the ecological importance of the Great Indian Bustard.
The bustard supports grassland health by controlling insects, dispersing seeds and maintaining ecological balance. Its decline signals broader habitat degradation, making conservation crucial for sustaining grassland ecosystems.

7. What government initiatives support the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard?
Government measures include Project GIB, power line undergrounding orders, protected area expansion, habitat restoration, anti-poaching enforcement and captive breeding programs involving state agencies and conservation partners.

8. Explain the role of local communities in GIB conservation.
Local communities help reduce disturbances, report threats, protect grasslands and prevent poaching. Community-led conservation ensures sustained habitat protection and builds long-term stewardship for endangered species.

9. How does land-use change affect the Great Indian Bustard?
Conversion of grasslands to agriculture, industries, or renewable projects reduces suitable habitats, disrupts breeding areas, and forces bustards into unsafe regions, accelerating population decline.

10. Describe the main behavioural traits of the Great Indian Bustard.
The bustard exhibits ground nesting, omnivorous feeding, lekking displays, and low reproductive rates. Its behaviour depends heavily on undisturbed grasslands, making habitat conservation essential for species survival.

Additional Reading - Great Indian Bustard

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

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