Tweet
At a time when wildlife experts are disillusioned over the future of the Great Indian Bustards (GIB) and their conservation, there appears a ray of hope for these critically-endangered signature grassland species.
Bustard Sanctuary in Maharashtra has indicated an increase in the count of these rarely seen birds from nine to 13, in the recent census. Experts pointing out that such results coming from Maharashtra are encouraging, which is considered an indicator state for the existence of these large grassland birds. They felt that intensive search needs to be conducted in the State for new habitats of the disappearing bird.
Dr Asad Rahmani, Director Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and expert on bustard conservation, regretted that bustards are the most neglected species despite its critical status. “Now that there are feeble chances of revival, it is time that the Environment Ministry decides to look beyond just tigers.” There should be a Project Bustard on the lines of Project Tiger to protect the species from their declining status, he stressed.
The census was conducted by the GIB Foundation and Pune Wildlife Division covering Rehkuri Blackbuck sanctuary, Karmala division and Nannaj division of Bustard sanctuary in Solapur. Counting was done at more than 50 points.
According to Dr Pramod Patil, Conservation Biologist and Director GIB Foundation, the census with an increase in count, however, revealed an unbalanced sex ration of these birds. Out of the 13 birds there were only three males.
As per the pattern of habitat utilisation these birds were found to opt for protected and least disturbed areas. It is thus important to note that their habitat is least disturbed particularly during breeding season. Among the major causes of disturbances include increasing grazing pressure of cattle, people moving on grasslands, vehicles movement etc.
The exercise was done on the basis of a census manual of the bustards written and compiled by Dr Pati himself. It has details on bustard identification, male and female differentiation, information on indirect evidences (as feathers, droppings).
According to Dr Patil, the increase may be nominal but it is important to note that it has come from an “indicator state”. It is here that the GIB’s sustain maximum human pressure as these grasslands are among the most densely populated in the country. “If it has managed to survive as well indicate increase in such pressing circumstances it can survive anywhere else,” he felt.
Bustard Sanctuary in Maharashtra has indicated an increase in the count of these rarely seen birds from nine to 13, in the recent census. Experts pointing out that such results coming from Maharashtra are encouraging, which is considered an indicator state for the existence of these large grassland birds. They felt that intensive search needs to be conducted in the State for new habitats of the disappearing bird.
Dr Asad Rahmani, Director Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and expert on bustard conservation, regretted that bustards are the most neglected species despite its critical status. “Now that there are feeble chances of revival, it is time that the Environment Ministry decides to look beyond just tigers.” There should be a Project Bustard on the lines of Project Tiger to protect the species from their declining status, he stressed.
The census was conducted by the GIB Foundation and Pune Wildlife Division covering Rehkuri Blackbuck sanctuary, Karmala division and Nannaj division of Bustard sanctuary in Solapur. Counting was done at more than 50 points.
According to Dr Pramod Patil, Conservation Biologist and Director GIB Foundation, the census with an increase in count, however, revealed an unbalanced sex ration of these birds. Out of the 13 birds there were only three males.
As per the pattern of habitat utilisation these birds were found to opt for protected and least disturbed areas. It is thus important to note that their habitat is least disturbed particularly during breeding season. Among the major causes of disturbances include increasing grazing pressure of cattle, people moving on grasslands, vehicles movement etc.
The exercise was done on the basis of a census manual of the bustards written and compiled by Dr Pati himself. It has details on bustard identification, male and female differentiation, information on indirect evidences (as feathers, droppings).
According to Dr Patil, the increase may be nominal but it is important to note that it has come from an “indicator state”. It is here that the GIB’s sustain maximum human pressure as these grasslands are among the most densely populated in the country. “If it has managed to survive as well indicate increase in such pressing circumstances it can survive anywhere else,” he felt.
