WII Conducts Census of the Great Indian Bustard After Eight Years

For the first time in eight years, a detailed census of Rajasthan's state bird, the Great Indian Bustard (Godawan), has been completed in Jaisalmer.

- Mukesh Mathrani

BARMER:

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, conducted the census from April 7 to 17 across the Desert National Park (DNP).

A 60-member team—including 20 WII experts, forest department staff, and volunteers—divided the area into seven blocks for a comprehensive count.

Although the last official census was held in 2018, the exercise could not be continued in subsequent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Post-pandemic, a staff shortage within the forest department further delayed the effort.