Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Sunday, 4 October 2026, released two captive-bred male Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) into Sam Desert National Park in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan — a landmark step in India's decade-long effort to pull the critically endangered species back from the brink of extinction.

The Release and What It Means

The rewilding of the two male GIBs marks the first such reintroduction at Sam Desert National Park and is the product of nearly a decade of captive breeding, scientific research, and on-ground conservation work. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change described the release as 'the next critical step in the species recovery programme,' adding that it would yield 'important scientific learnings for progressively developing and refining protocols for reintroduction of captive-bred birds into their natural habitat.'

In a post on X, Minister Yadav called the development a 'milestone move' and credited 'the nearly decade-long unwavering dedication of our scientists, researchers and ground staff who have spent years to ensure GIB reclaims the deserts of Rajasthan.' He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as 'continued guidance, encouragement and constant support' for India's wildlife conservation community.

A Day Before: Visit to the Ramdevra Breeding Facility

On Saturday, 3 October, Minister Yadav visited the captive breeding facility at Ramdevra, where he met the young researchers and scientists driving the conservation programme. In a post shared on X, he said he was 'immensely impressed by the perseverance of our young researchers and scientists, who have pursued this project with passion for years, demonstrating exceptional dedication to the conservation of this iconic species.'

The Great Indian Bustard: India's Most Endangered Bird

The Great Indian Bustard is one of the world's heaviest flying birds and is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Once spread across the Indian subcontinent, its wild population has dwindled to an estimated fewer than 150 individuals, concentrated largely in Rajasthan's Thar Desert. Habitat loss, power-line collisions, and poaching have been cited as the primary threats.

India's GIB conservation programme involves captive breeding, habitat management, community engagement, and scientific monitoring — a collaborative effort between government agencies, forest officials, researchers, and local communities. The programme at Ramdevra has been central to building a viable captive population from which birds can eventually be returned to the wild.

What Happens Next

The release is expected to generate critical data on how captive-bred GIBs adapt to wild conditions — including foraging behaviour, territory establishment, and survival rates — that will inform future reintroduction efforts. Conservationists and wildlife researchers will closely monitor the two birds in the months ahead. The success of this phase could determine the pace and scale of subsequent releases, potentially setting a template for rewilding programmes for other critically endangered Indian species.