Great Indian Bustard Chick Born in Gujarat After a Decade Through Innovative Jumpstart Method Using Egg from Rajasthan
Why in News?
On March 26, 2026, a chick of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) hatched in the grasslands of Kutch, Gujarat, for the first time in nearly ten years. This success came through a special “jumpstart” conservation technique where a fertile egg from a captive breeding centre in Sam, Rajasthan, was transported 770 km by road in a portable incubator and placed in the nest of a wild female GIB in Naliya, Gujarat, replacing her infertile egg. The effort was coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, forest departments of both states, and the Wildlife Institute of India. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia described it as a major milestone for the species.
Key Points
A tagged female GIB in Kutch laid an infertile egg because no males remain in the local population.
A fertile egg from Rajasthan’s conservation breeding programme was transported 770 km in a handheld portable incubator over 19 hours without any halt.
The egg was carefully replaced in the wild nest on March 22, 2026.
The female GIB incubated the egg and the chick hatched successfully on March 26, 2026.
Field monitoring teams observed the foster mother rearing the young chick in the wild.
This is the first inter-state jumpstart effort for GIB in India and the first birth in Gujarat after almost a decade.
The conservation breeding centres in Rajasthan now have 73 GIBs, with plans for future rewilding.
The project was envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2011 and formally launched in 2016 under Project GIB.
Explained
What Is the Great Indian Bustard and Why Is It Critically Endangered?
The Great Indian Bustard, locally known as Ghorad or Godawan, is one of India’s largest flying birds. It lives in open grasslands and semi-arid areas. It is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN because its population has fallen sharply due to habitat loss, power lines, hunting, and disturbance. In India, only around 100-150 birds remain, with most in Rajasthan. Gujarat once had a small population in Kutch, but it has almost disappeared because males are no longer present, leading to infertile eggs.
What Is the “Jumpstart” Method in Bird Conservation?
The jumpstart method is a smart conservation technique. When a wild female lays an infertile egg, scientists replace it with a fertile egg from a captive breeding centre. The wild female then incubates and rears the chick as her own. This helps increase the wild population quickly without removing the female from her natural habitat. In this case, the method was used for the first time across two states for the GIB.
How Was the Egg Transported Safely Over 770 km?
The egg was taken from Sam in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district. A special halt-free corridor was created so the vehicle could travel continuously for 19 hours. The egg was kept in a handheld portable incubator that maintained the exact temperature and conditions needed for development. The journey ended at Naliya in Kutch, where it was gently placed in the nest on March 22. This careful planning prevented any damage during the long trip.
Why Was This Effort Important for Gujarat?
Gujarat’s Kutch grassland once supported GIBs, but the local group lost all males many years ago. Without males, females could only lay infertile eggs. The new chick brings hope that more birds can be reintroduced and the population can recover. It also shows how states can work together for conservation.
What Is Project Great Indian Bustard?
Project GIB was envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2011 and launched in 2016. It focuses on protecting the bird’s grassland habitat, reducing threats like power lines, and increasing numbers through captive breeding and rewilding. The project works in Rajasthan, Gujarat and other states. The successful hatching is seen as a big step towards rewilding more birds in the future.
What Are the Next Steps in GIB Conservation?
Scientists will continue monitoring the chick and its foster mother. Conservation breeding centres in Rajasthan now have 73 birds. The government plans to release more captive-bred birds into the wild once they are ready. Efforts will also focus on protecting grasslands, removing dangerous power lines, and creating safe corridors for the birds.
Mains Question
Evaluate the significance of innovative techniques like the jumpstart method in the conservation of critically endangered species such as the Great Indian Bustard, and discuss how inter-state cooperation and captive breeding programmes can support long-term population recovery in India.