The Great Indian Bustard 

Struggling for its Survival

Do you know about the heaviest flying bird in India?

I know that some of you might  have guessed but some may be struggling to answer just like how the Great Indian Bustard struggling for its survival.When I was in Grade 5  I read  a short story about this bird  in my english book and I was so deeply hurt about hearing this that immediately I  started to research on them. 

Today I got the opportunity to represent this bird on such a wonderful platform Tunza Eco Generation and raise awareness about such as amazing bird.

  The great Indian bustard has characteristics that make it a very unique Bird .

1. : The Great Indian Bustard is a big bird, with the male being even bigger than the female birds. They have long legs and a long neck, and their feathers are brownish-grey to help them hide in the grasslands. They generally weigh between 15-18 kg.

2. The male have a special black cap on their heads and white feathers on the sides, making them look different from the female, who have a more plain colour.

3.Male Bustards are known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve puffing up their necks and displaying their plumage to attract females.

4. There was a time when these birds species were spread over 12 states of India but today  they are  wiped out from 90% of its former habitat and is confined to three small pockets: Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, the grasslands of Kutch in Gujarat and the trijunction of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. About 100 of these birds are in Jaisalmer alone. It is one of the Rajasthan flagship species.

Unfortunately Today  are listed as most critically dangered species in the world . Its a sad news for India that being with so many unique features we are not able to protect them .

Some quick threats that they face:

Why do powerlines posses a major threat to theri survival?

• The GIB are large birds standing about 1 metre tall and weighing about 15 to 18 kgs

• They are not great flyers and have wide sideways vison to maximise Predator detection but the species frontal vision is narrow.

• These birds cannot detect power lines from far and since they are heavy flyersthey fail to manoeuvre across power lines within closed distances this makes them vulnerable to collisions with power lines .

• In most cases, death is due to collision rather than electrocution.  

OTHER THREATS 

The  GIBs are slow breeders and they build their nests on the ground. The species have also been subjected to hunting and egg collection in the past. There also has been a decline in prevailing habitat loss as dry grasslands have been diverted for other use. Experts also warn of pesticide contamination and increase of populations of free-ranging dogs and pigs along with native predators like cats mangols put high pressure on theri nests..

Some Conservation Steps ::

1.Reduce bird collisions with power lines by installing bird diverters and underground power lines in critical habitats.

2.We can strengthenanti-poaching initiatives to curb illegal hunting and trade of Great Indian Bustards and their eggs.

3.The government can safeguard and preserve their natural habitat, which includes grasslands and open landscapes. Implement measures to prevent habitat destruction, fragmentation, and encroachment.

Remember, the Great Indian Bustard is an amazing bird that needs our help to survive. As young environmentalists its our duty to raise awareness about such species in our local communities and save them from further extinction.