Three Great Indian Bustard Chicks Released in Rewilding Facility in Jaisalmer

Wildlife conservationists have achieved a significant milestone in Great Indian Bustard (GIB) conservation by placing three captive-bred chicks in an advanced rewilding facility in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The ₹9.25 crore facility represents India's commitment to saving one of the world's rarest birds from extinction. The rewilding tunnel provides a controlled environment where the chicks can develop natural behaviors and survival skills before eventual release into protected wild habitats.

The Great Indian Bustard is critically endangered with fewer than 150 individuals remaining in the wild, making it one of India's most threatened bird species. The species faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, power lines, and agricultural intensification. Conservation efforts include captive breeding programs and habitat restoration in traditional GIB ranges across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The rewilding facility represents an innovative step between captive breeding and full wild release.

The ₹9.25 crore facility in Jaisalmer is specifically designed to simulate natural conditions while allowing controlled monitoring of the birds' development. The tunnel provides protected space for chicks to learn foraging, predator avoidance, and social behaviors essential for survival. Project partners include the Indian wildlife agencies, international conservation organizations, and research institutions. Success with these three chicks could establish a replicable model for the broader species recovery program.

For UPSC, this demonstrates India's species conservation efforts and wildlife management strategies. This aligns with Convention on Biological Diversity commitments and India's endangered species recovery programs. Potential exam questions may cover threatened species status, conservation breeding programs, habitat restoration, or IUCN classifications. The story illustrates intersection of technology (facility design), conservation biology, and environmental governance—all relevant to both UPSC Mains and Prelims.