A major breakthrough in wildlife conservation has been recorded in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, with the birth of the first Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick at the Ramdevra Breeding Centre. The critically endangered, Schedule-I species and Rajasthan’s state bird, has been brought into the world using advanced artificial insemination (AI) technology, offering fresh hope to conservationists. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav confirmed the achievement on Saturday, expressing optimism over the progress.
He stated that the total number of GIBs at the breeding centres in Sam and Ramdevra has now reached 73, including five chicks born during the current breeding season. “Under the long-term conservation plan, India is moving towards rewilding these birds in their natural habitat in the near future,” he added. Deputy Conservator of Forests, Desert National Park, Brijmohan Gupta, highlighted that the Ramdevra Centre, established in 2022, has recorded its first-ever chick birth this year.
The chick, born on March 26, was produced via AI from an egg of a female GIB named “Jerry” and a male named “Parv”. The Ramdevra facility, designed with controlled conditions, secure enclosures, and scientific monitoring, now complements the Sam–Sudasari centre in the GIB conservation network.
Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB), launched in 2018 by the central government, Rajasthan state government, and the Wildlife Institute of India, has faced challenges due to the species’ rapidly declining numbers and low natural breeding rates. Dr Suthirto Dutta, senior scientist at WII and coordinator of the GIB Breeding Centre, said four chicks were born at Sam this season and one at Ramdevra via AI, bringing the total number of new chicks to five.
Experts note that natural breeding for GIBs is slow and highly vulnerable due to predation, extreme temperatures, and human interference. AI technology has proven pivotal by improving fertilisation success and enabling safer incubation under controlled conditions, significantly enhancing conservation efforts.
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