Bhupender Yadav releases two male Great Indian Bustards into Jaisalmer's Desert National Park
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims·
Ex-situ conservation and captive breeding: a key GS3 Environment and Ecology case study.
Why in news
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released two captive-bred male Great Indian Bustards into the wild at Desert National Park, Rajasthan, as part of a collaborative conservation effort.
Background
The project is a collaboration between the Union Environment Ministry, Rajasthan Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India. Facilities in Sam and Ramdevra currently house 97 birds, including chicks born in 2025 and 2026.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentGreat Indian Bustard: A bird species being released into the wild in Rajasthan.
- BodyWildlife Institute of India: Collaborating body for the captive-breeding project.
- Fact97 birds are currently housed in facilities at Sam and Ramdevra.
Prelims practice question
Which institution is collaborating with the Union Environment Ministry and Rajasthan Forest Department for the captive-breeding project?
- (a)Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- (b)Botanical Survey of India
- (c)Wildlife Institute of India
- (d)National Biodiversity Authority
Show answer
Answer: (c) Wildlife Institute of India — The note identifies the Wildlife Institute of India as a collaborating body for the captive-breeding project.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of ex-situ conservation measures like captive breeding in ensuring the survival of critically endangered species in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Habitat fragmentation: Balancing infrastructure development with the spatial requirements of large-bodied ground birds
- Genetic diversity: Risks of inbreeding depression in small captive populations vs. wild population viability
- Inter-agency coordination: Synergy between central ministries, state forest departments, and academic research institutes
Keywords: ex-situ conservation · biodiversity preservation · captive breeding · habitat restoration · species recovery
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.