Rare Great Indian Bustard Sighted in Barmer After Two Decades
A Great Indian Bustard (GIB), one of India's most critically endangered bird species, has been sighted in Barmer, Rajasthan, after nearly 20 years, sparking optimism among conservationists about the effectiveness of ongoing protection efforts. The bird was spotted on Friday in grassland at Range Kundal in the Girab area, marking a significant milestone in wildlife preservation.
Conservation Efforts Yield Positive Results
Deputy Conservator of Forest for the Desert National Park, BM Gupta, highlighted that pastureland development over 250 hectares in Kundal in 2025 has shown encouraging outcomes. "Forest personnel captured a GIB roaming on camera in the same pastureland in the Kundal range," Gupta stated. He added that the last recorded sightings in Barmer occurred in 2005 and 2007 in Kundal and Sundra, making this recent observation particularly noteworthy.
Enhanced Surveillance During Breeding Season
With the mating and breeding season of the Great Indian Bustard commencing in March, surveillance has been intensified across natural pasturelands. Gupta emphasized, "There is a possibility of more GIB sightings from this grassland," noting that cameras have been strategically installed at key water points and habitat areas, including gazlars, to monitor the species closely.
Population Statistics and Global Significance
The 2025 wild field census conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) recorded the GIB population in the wild at over 130 individuals. Officials revealed that more than 70% of the global GIB population survives in Jaisalmer, underscoring the region's critical role in the species' survival. The Barmer sighting is hailed as a positive outcome of collaborative efforts between the state forest department and WII to protect this endangered bird.
This development not only raises hopes for the recovery of the Great Indian Bustard but also reinforces the importance of sustained conservation initiatives in safeguarding India's rich biodiversity.
