Great Indian Bustard nearing extinction in Rajasthan: Scientists
Q. Which bird has been estimated to be close to extinction that is also the state bird of Rajasthan?- Published on 12 Oct 15a. Hoopoe
b. Sparrow
c. Egret
d. Great Indian Bustard
ANSWER: Great Indian Bustard
Listed as critically endangered under the Schedule 1 which is the highest protection status as per the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, this state bird is close to extinction. WII survey found 44 Great Indian Bustards in Rajasthan but the Rajasthan forest department survey found only 28. Around one week ago, another survey found there were only 13 GIBs. GIB or Ardeotis nigirceps is one of the biggest flying bird species found in the world today and currently, the other two states Maharashtra and Gujarat are having only 6 and 11 GIBs respectively. Steps are being taken to improve conservation and habitat of GIB through the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority/CAMPA. Rajasthan currently has the highest population of GIB and if captive breeding conservation efforts are successful, the number may rise. Total conservation cost has been pegged at INR 13 crore for the Project Great Indian Bustard announced in 2012.
