Great Indian Bustard Captive Breeding Programme
Why in News?
The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Captive Breeding Programme is Recently in the news as it reached a major milestone on March 13, 2026, with the hatching of two new chicks at the Conservation Breeding Centre in Rajasthan. This development brings the total captive population to 70 individuals, the highest ever recorded for this critically endangered species.
About
- New Hatchlings: Two healthy GIB chicks were born this week at the Sam Conservation Centre in Jaisalmer.
- Technological Success: One chick was born through natural mating, while the other was produced through artificial insemination, demonstrating the success of advanced breeding techniques.
- Planned Wild Release: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that for the first time, some of this year's captive-bred chicks are expected to be soft-released into the wild later in 2026.
Key Information
- Objective: To build a self-sustaining captive population as an "insurance" against extinction and to eventually supplement the dwindling wild population (currently estimated at 130–150 birds).
- Project Leadership: The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Rajasthan Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
- Breeding Facilities: Operates primarily out of two locations in Rajasthan:
- Sam village, Jaisalmer (established 2018).
- Ramdevra, Pokhran (established 2022).
- Significant Growth: The captive population has grown from just 16 birds four years ago to 70 birds today.
- Technical Support: The project receives international technical assistance from the International Fund for Houbara Conservation and Reneco, Abu Dhabi.
- Next Phase (2024–2033): An approved budget of ₹56 crore is designated for the next phase, focusing on habitat development, artificial insemination, and the reintroduction of birds into restored grasslands.
- Protection Status: The Great Indian Bustard (locally known as Godawan) is the State Bird of Rajasthan and is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
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