The Indian Bustard
The Indian Bustard, scientifically known as Ardeotis nigriceps, is a large and majestic looking bird, native to the Indian subcontinent. It is known for its striking appearance and unique behavioral traits, i.e., females lay a single egg, while males have a booming call. The Bustard faces major threats that endanger its very survival. The recent war between Indian and Pakistan has compounded these threats to the birds’ habitats.
Physical Characteristics:
The Bustard is a tall and heavy bird, with an average height of about 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) and weighing about 16 to 18 kg, making it one of the largest flying birds in the world. Its wingspan measures around 6.5 to 7.5 feet (2 to 2.3 meters), and it possesses long legs adapted for walking and running in its dry grassland habitat. The male has a distinct black crown and breast, while its back and wings have shades of brown. The female, on the other hand, has a more sober sandy-brown plumage.
The Bustard is a tall and heavy bird, with an average height of about 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) and weighing about 16 to 18 kg, making it one of the largest flying birds in the world. Its wingspan measures around 6.5 to 7.5 feet (2 to 2.3 meters), and it possesses long legs adapted for walking and running in its dry grassland habitat. The male has a distinct black crown and breast, while its back and wings have shades of brown. The female, on the other hand, has a more sober sandy-brown plumage.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Bustard once thrived across the vast grasslands and semi-arid
regions of India and Pakistan. Historically, it could be found in areas such as
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. However,
due to habitat loss and fragmentation, the species' distribution has
drastically diminished. Today, the Indian Bustard is chiefly found in small areas
of its earlier range, such as Nanaj Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra), the Thar
Desert region of Gujarat, Rajasthan and adjoining Pakistan, where the right
type of grassland habitats still exist. Back in 2012, I had the privilege to
see these birds in their natural habitat in Nanaj, Maharashtra, even though it was a long distance sighting.
The Bustards mainly inhabit open grasslands, shrublands, and semi-arid plains. These extensive plains offer a perfect blend of tall grasses for nesting and foraging for seeds, insects and sometimes, mice and lizards.
Threats to its existence:
The Indian Bustard faces numerous threats that have led to its endangered status. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016). Its preference for areas undisturbed or with minimal human activity, makes it particularly susceptible to habitat destruction caused by urbanization, agriculture expansion, and infrastructure development like roads and electricity pylons and windmills. The threats in Pakistan are mainly due to illegal hunting. In addition, human settlements like resorts, have drastically reduced suitable breeding and foraging grounds for the species. Fragmentation of its habitat into smaller pockets instead of large contiguous areas has hindered its ability to disperse, find mates, and establish new territories.
A major threat is the increased presence of power lines and wind turbines within the bird's range. These structures pose a high risk of collision and electrocution, especially since the birds fly at low levels.
As per latest reports, the numbers have dropped drastically in Nanaj Wildlife Santuary.
Conservation Efforts:
Conservation initiatives are being undertaken to mitigate the challenges faced by the Indian Bustard. Several protected areas, such as the Desert National Park, Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, and Karera Wildlife Sanctuary, have been established to protect their habitats. Additionally, efforts are being made to engage local communities and raise awareness about the importance of conserving this iconic species, once in the race to be declared as India’s national bird. Efforts are being made to protect its habitat under the initiative, Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
An artificial breeding facility has been established at Sam, Jaisalmer for rearing chicks. (During the recent border shelling with Pakistan, the bustard chicks were shifted from Jaisalmer to Alwar; refer article in HT, May 15, 2025).
The government is also considering moving overhead electricity cables to underground pathways in the specific zones (as directed by the Supreme Court). Collaborative efforts between different state governments, Ministry of Environment and Forests, and local communities hold the key to ensuring the survival of this majestic bird.
