Conservationists Celebrate Artificial Insemination Success for Endangered Great Indian Bustard

The recent hatching of a great Indian bustard chick via artificial insemination is a significant milestone in conservation efforts for this critically endangered bird. As its population dwindles due to habitat loss and human interference, challenges remain in rehabilitating captive-bred birds for survival in the wild.

The great Indian bustard, a critically endangered bird native to India, is receiving fresh hope following the successful hatching of a chick through artificial insemination in Rajasthan's Desert National Park. This remarkable event marks a breakthrough in conservation efforts for a species that has seen a dramatic decline in its population from over 1,000 in the 1960s to approximately 150 today.

Wildlife officials from Rajasthan conducted the successful process by training an adult male at one breeding center in Jaisalmer to produce sperm, which was then used to impregnate a female at a different facility located about 200 kilometers away. This achievement has paved the way for the establishment of a potential sperm bank, a crucial step in efforts to diversify the gene pool of the dwindling bustard population.

Despite being less famous than India's national bird, the peacock, the great Indian bustard holds ecological importance as a predator of rodents and other pests. However, the bird's unique evolutionary traits pose great risks due to human-induced challenges, such as collisions with power lines, which they fail to detect due to their poor frontal vision. Conservationists emphasize the need to secure their habitat amid rising tensions with renewable energy firms seeking to exploit the land for solar and wind energy projects.

In response to the dire situation, the Rajasthan government and federal authorities collaborated on the establishment of two breeding centers since 2018. Currently, there are about 45 birds in captivity, including 14 that are results of captive breeding and artificial insemination. The ultimate goal remains to boost their numbers and facilitate their eventual release into the wild.

However, this re-wilding is hindered by the fact that many of the birds raised in captivity have become imprinted on humans, significantly diminishing their survival skills. The ongoing loss of habitat further complicates the restoration of a natural environment for these birds, who have ceased migrating long distances, increasing their risk of inbreeding and genetic defects.

Concerningly, a recent ruling by the Supreme Court has raised alarms among conservationists, as it overturned a previous mandate requiring the underground placement of power cables in crucial breeding habitats. This decision—motivated by the economic implications for renewable energy companies—adds to the urgent conservation challenges facing the great Indian bustard.

Ecologists argue that the ruling reflects a misunderstanding of the interconnectedness between climate change initiatives, biodiversity preservation, and development, ultimately threatening both the bustard's future and broader ecological stability. As the situation develops, the preservation of the species relies not only on scientific breakthroughs but also on balancing development and environmental conservation efforts in Rajasthan.