In a recent breakthrough for conservation efforts, wildlife officials in Rajasthan, India, have successfully hatched a great Indian bustard chick via artificial insemination, marking a promising development for the critically endangered species. The chick's conception comes as a beacon of hope, as the population of the great Indian bustard has dwindled from over 1,000 in the 1960s to around 150 today, largely due to habitat loss, poaching, and collisions with power lines.
The hatching was made possible by training a lone male at a breeding centre in Jaisalmer to produce sperm, which was then used to impregnate a female at a second facility located 200 km away. This landmark achievement opens the door for potential sperm banking, which is crucial for enhancing the genetic diversity of a species that is increasingly at risk.
Conservationists underscore the importance of protecting the bird's habitat in Jaisalmer, where massive land allocations for solar and wind energy projects threaten to fragment the remaining natural environment. Sumit Dookia, a conservation ecologist, notes the great Indian bustard's unique physical traits, such as its good peripheral vision, which unfortunately makes it prone to flying into power lines.
The great Indian bustard, also known locally as 'Godawan,' once thrived in at least 11 Indian states. Today, its population is largely confined to Rajasthan, with a few observations in Karnataka and Gujarat. The bird plays a pivotal role in controlling pest populations, such as rodents and snakes, but its evolutionary traits are at odds with contemporary human activities.
The Rajasthan government has initiated breeding centres to tackle the drastic population decline, having collected and hatched 45 birds, including the recently bred chick. However, experts are concerned that the human imprinting during breeding may hinder the birds' ability to survive in the wild.
The loss of natural habitat has diminished migration patterns among these birds, raising concerns about inbreeding and its inherent risks. Experts insist that preserving the great Indian bustard's habitat is crucial for the species' survival.
A recent Supreme Court ruling has heightened worries among conservationists, as it overturned an earlier mandate to prioritize burying power cables in bustard habitats. Critics argue that this decision creates an imbalance, prioritizing economic interests over ecological preservation. They suggest that a comprehensive review of the renewable energy sector's environmental impact is needed, as both the future of the bird and human well-being remain interconnected.
As conservationists continue their efforts, the fate of the great Indian bustard hangs in the balance amid the clash between development and biodiversity preservation.
