Should the Great Indian Bustard Vanish into History?

The drastic drop in great Indian bustard population over the past decades.

The great Indian bustard is without question on the brink of extinction. With as few as 150 birds remaining in India as of 2018, it is a matter of time before it is completely wiped out from the face of the Earth. Such is the situation with this magnificent bird, that three wildlife organizations have joined forces to launch an emergency campaign to save the bustard from further disappearing into history. The three organizations that have initiated the campaign are the Corbett Foundation, Conservation India, and Sanctuary Nature Foundation. The goal of this campaign is to underline the overhead power transmission lines in bustard habitat, which are the main threat to these low-flying birds along with illegal hunting and habitat loss. The campaign implored the Ministries of Power and of New and Renewable Energy to take action by placing these power lines underground; a solution suggested by the Wildlife Institute of India's Endangered Species Recovery Program. The campaign also highlighted the ecological significance of the bustards' grassland habitats which have been reduced to wastelands. Since the campaign's launch, more than 6,500 people have signed the online petition addressed to Power Minister R.K Singh with whom the organizers have requested a meeting to show their case and receive a guarantee to action from him. The campaign has even received support from celebrities like actress Dia Mirza and former cricketer Anil Kumble.

Map showing great Indian bustard habitats and locations, and power lines

I strongly urge the general public of India and the global Indian community to provide a great deal of support for the conservation of the great Indian bustard. This magnificent bird is on the brink of extinction because it did not receive early support from not just the general public, but also politicians, policy makers, and the corporate sector. This delay cannot go on and should never go on! I strongly urge India's politicians, policy makers, and the corporate sector to please take action to help save the bustard. I can promise you that when the great Indian bustard goes extinct, it will be a major shame and disappointment for India on a global scale despite all the scientific expertise and financial resources available to save this bird. This is the last chance for everybody in India and abroad to save the great Indian bustard from extinction. Here are the following steps that need to be implemented to save the great Indian bustard without any exception whatsoever:

1. All state governments of India need to safeguard and fully protect "lekking" sites, so that male bustards can attract the females for breeding. Any disturbance or annihilation of these sites can spell disaster for the birds. This step requires political will and cooperation from various government departments and local communities.

2. All state governments should establish a great Indian bustard task force in every state where the birds live. These task forces should include effective and dedicated government officials from various departments, biologists, conservationists, and local community leaders.

3. The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) should initiate an all-out "Project Bustard" based on an accurate scientific plan, and established in consultation with national and international experts, as well as leading people from each great Indian bustard state.

4. Analyze the practicability of captive breeding by establishing a core group comprised of international experts with experience in breeding bustards or comparable endangered birds in captivity, such as the California condor.

5. Announce annual advisories from the MoEF to Chief Wildlife Wardens of states containing bustards to outlaw entry and photography of the birds all the known habitats during the breeding season from April 1 to October 31. However, such disturbance outside the breeding season can have serious ramifications for the bustards. Therefore, wildlife photographers should willingly refrain from photographing the great Indian bustard.

The great Indian bustard is part of India's heritage, along with the tiger, lion, and the elephant. However, it has never been given much attention like the latter and this is why its numbers have been drastically reduced by anthropogenic factors. I say this again to the global Indian community that your support is vital for the conservation of the great Indian bustard. Your voice is crucial to urge our country's politicians, policy makers, and the corporate sector to take action with the wildlife experts, biologists, conservationists, and others involved in this large scale. This can be done by signing the online petition above specifically addressed to Minister R.K Singh. In addition, I highly recommend the people of India, including the politicians and policy makers, to strongly adhere to the five steps above in order to save great Indian bustards. It is time everybody took action regarding this ongoing conservation issue. The great Indian bustard needs our help; do not and I repeat DO NOT let this magnificent bird vanish into history!

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Sign the online petition here