September 15, 2026
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav visited the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) habitat at Naliya in Kachchh, Gujarat, to review conservation and habitat-management efforts for the critically threatened species.
He also inaugurated a Soft Release Centre for the Great Indian Bustard.
Grassland Restoration: Around 11 sq. km. of grassland infested with the invasive species Prosopis juliflora has been restored.
Predator-proof Fencing: Nearly 30 km of fencing has been installed, covering around 15 sq. km. of habitat.
‘Jump-start’ Intervention:
Infertile eggs laid by wild GIB females are replaced with viable eggs from the conservation-breeding programme.
The aim is to increase the number of chicks entering the wild population.
A chick resulting from the second such attempt survived beyond the critical first three months in the wild, marking an important conservation achievement in Gujarat.
Soft Release Centre: Established to support the gradual release and adaptation of captive-bred GIBs into the wild.
Community Participation: Local communities and public representatives are being involved in conservation and habitat-management initiatives.

Scientific name: Ardeotis nigriceps
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Family: Otididae
Habitat: Mainly grasslands, scrublands and semi-arid regions.
Major Indian population: Concentrated mainly in Rajasthan and Gujarat, with smaller populations in some other states.
Gujarat: Kachchh region is an important GIB habitat.
Threats:
Habitat loss and degradation
Collision with power transmission lines
Predation
Invasive species such as Prosopis juliflora
Low breeding success
Great Indian Bustard Conservation Breeding Programme is being implemented with the involvement of institutions including the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and state forest departments.
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