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Saving the Bustard: India's Grassland Guardian
21 Jun
Summary
- Great Indian Bustard was proposed as national bird in 1961.
- Peacock was chosen over bustard for historical reasons.
- Project Great Indian Bustard launched in 2013.
The Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered species, was once considered for national bird status in 1961. Ornithologist Salim Ali championed its cause, but the Indian Board for Wild Life ultimately selected the peacock in 1963, citing compelling historical and cultural reasons.
The primary threats to the Great Indian Bustard include habitat loss due to land conversion, disturbances during breeding seasons, and poaching. Recognizing its plight, the Rajasthan government initiated Project Great Indian Bustard on June 5, 2013.
Ongoing conservation efforts by the central government include designating important habitats as national parks, implementing a species recovery program, and undertaking conservation breeding in collaboration with Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Financial assistance is also provided to states for wildlife conservation, including for this grassland species.
