Historic Hatching of Rare Great Indian Bustard Chick in Gujarat
Synopsis
In a groundbreaking conservation effort, a Great Indian Bustard chick has hatched in Kutch, Gujarat, after years of absence. This event marks a significant step forward in wildlife preservation initiatives in the region.
Key Takeaways
Historic achievement: A Great Indian Bustard chick hatched in Kutch after a decade.
Operation Egg Transfer: A successful initiative to relocate a fertile egg from Rajasthan.
Collaborative efforts: Joint action by Gujarat and Rajasthan Forest Departments, WII, and others.
Boost in population: The current bustard population has risen to 73.
Commitment to conservation: This event signifies India’s dedication to wildlife preservation.
Bhuj, March 28 (NationPress) In a remarkable development for wildlife conservation in Gujarat, a chick of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has successfully hatched in Kutch after a decade-long absence.
This significant milestone took place in the Abdasa region and was made possible through a meticulously planned operation to transfer a fertile egg from a breeding center in Rajasthan to the Kutch population.
State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia expressed that this achievement is “a moment of pride for all of us,” acknowledging the collaborative efforts between the Gujarat and Rajasthan Forest Departments, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
Dubbed ‘Operation Egg Transfer,’ this initiative involved a 19-hour journey by road, transporting the fertile egg in a portable incubator to safeguard its arrival in Kutch.
On March 22, the egg was carefully placed in the nest of a female bustard, effectively replacing an infertile egg.
The female bustard naturally incubated the egg, leading to the successful hatching of a healthy chick on March 26.
Minister Modhwadia emphasized that this accomplishment was achieved through the innovative conservation technique known as the Jumpstart Approach.
“Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the Gujarat Forest Department has reached an extraordinary milestone in wildlife conservation,” he remarked.
He also commended the Wildlife Division officers for their commitment and congratulated everyone involved in this successful mission.
Union Forest and Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav extended his congratulations, praising the joint efforts of the Environment Ministry, the Gujarat and Rajasthan forest departments, and the WII.
This hatchling is part of 'Project GIB,' initiated in 2016 under the vision of then Chief Minister of Gujarat and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at preserving the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
Currently, breeding centers at Sam and Ramdevra in Rajasthan have collectively boosted the bird population to 73.
Modhwadia indicated that ongoing field monitoring is in place to observe the female bustard and her chick.
This achievement reinforces India’s dedication to wildlife conservation and is a source of pride for scientists, forest officials, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Point of View
The successful hatching of a Great Indian Bustard chick in Gujarat is a commendable achievement that highlights the importance of collaborative conservation efforts. It signals a hopeful future for this critically endangered species and showcases the dedication of various departments in preserving India's wildlife.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Great Indian Bustard chick hatching?
The hatching of the Great Indian Bustard chick is significant as it represents a breakthrough in conservation efforts aimed at revitalizing the population of this critically endangered species in Gujarat.
What was 'Operation Egg Transfer'?
'Operation Egg Transfer' was a carefully planned initiative to transport a fertile egg from a breeding center in Rajasthan to the Kutch region to boost the local bustard population.
How many Great Indian Bustards are there currently?
The breeding centers at Sam and Ramdevra in Rajasthan have collectively increased the population of Great Indian Bustards to 73.
Who were the key figures involved in this conservation effort?
Key figures include State Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, along with various departments and organizations involved in the project.
What is 'Project GIB'?
'Project GIB' is an initiative launched in 2016 to conserve the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard, aimed at increasing their population through various conservation techniques.
