{ CONSERVATION BID } New strategy to allow GIBs to hatch and grow in the wild

Wildlife officials in Rajasthan have launched a new strategy to allow the Great Indian Bustard (Godawan) to hatch and grow in the wild, moving away from the practice of captive breeding at the Desert National Park (DNP) centre.

- Mukesh Mathrani

The aim is to preserve the bird's natural behaviour and increase its chances of survival in its native habitat.

Previously, Godawan eggs were routinely collected from enclosures and incubated at the breeding centre, with chicks raised in captivity.

According to the new approach, eggs laid in the wild are now temporarily collected for protection, then returned to their original nests shortly before hatching. The initiative has been taken following the Wildlife Institute of India’s recommendation, which has allowed to use five eggs annually for the purpose. Brijmohan Gupta, deputy conservator at divisional forest office, confirmed the development.