Bhupender Yadav Celebrates Great Indian Bustard Chick Birth After Ten Years
Synopsis
On March 28, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav celebrated the birth of a Great Indian Bustard chick in Gujarat, a significant step in conservation efforts for this endangered species after a decade-long gap.
Key Takeaways
Great Indian Bustard chick born after a decade in Gujarat .
Innovative Jumpstart Approach utilized for conservation.
Collaborative efforts between multiple state departments.
Project GIB initiated by Prime Minister Modi in 2011.
Current population in breeding centers reaches 73.
New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, announced on Saturday the arrival of a chick from the endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) in Gujarat after a span of ten years, marking a significant achievement in species conservation.
The birth occurred in Kutch, thanks to an innovative conservation strategy termed the Jumpstart Approach. This initiative, which was designed a year ago, involved collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Forest Departments of both Rajasthan and Gujarat, and the Wildlife Institute of India.
This marks the first successful inter-state jumpstart initiative for the GIB in India, as highlighted in an official statement.
A captive-bred GIB egg, sourced from a breeding program in Rajasthan, underwent a 19-hour road journey in a portable incubator and was successfully placed into its nest on March 22.
The current population of GIBs in Gujarat consists of three surviving females in the Kutch grasslands, making natural reproduction highly unlikely.
Transporting the incubated egg involved a challenging 770-km trip to the designated nesting location in Kutch, facilitated by creating a non-stop corridor from Sam (Rajasthan) to Naliya (Gujarat).
In a statement on social media, Minister Yadav remarked that Project GIB, which was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2011, aims to protect the Great Indian Bustard within its natural habitats, including Gujarat, and was officially launched in 2016.
He noted that the project is consistently advancing in bolstering conservation and recovery efforts for the species.
Currently, breeding centers in Sam and Ramdevra (Rajasthan) house a total of 73 GIBs, with five new chicks added during the current breeding season.
Yadav emphasized that India is progressing towards rewilding these birds as part of long-term conservation strategies.
He further elaborated on this groundbreaking effort, mentioning that a female GIB, tagged in August 2025, laid an infertile egg in Kutch, where the local population has been devoid of males for a long time.
Point of View
A species that has faced severe population declines. The collaborative efforts across states and innovative strategies reflect a national commitment to preserving biodiversity.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Great Indian Bustard chick's birth?
The birth of the Great Indian Bustard chick represents a crucial step in the conservation of this endangered species, marking the first birth in a decade due to innovative conservation measures.
What is the Jumpstart Approach?
The Jumpstart Approach is an innovative conservation strategy that involves cross-state collaboration to enhance the breeding success of endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard.
How was the egg transported to Kutch?
The egg was transported over a challenging 770-km journey in a handheld portable incubator, ensuring its safe arrival at the nesting site.
What is the current population of Great Indian Bustards in Gujarat?
Currently, there are three surviving female Great Indian Bustards in the grasslands of Kutch, making natural reproduction unlikely.
When was Project GIB launched?
Project GIB was envisioned in 2011 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and officially launched in 2016 to conserve the Great Indian Bustard in its natural habitats.
