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 topic for biodiversity and wildlife protection.
Why in news
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released two male Great Indian Bustards into the wild at Desert National Park, Rajasthan, as part of a captive breeding and release initiative.
Background
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Union Environment Ministry, Rajasthan Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India. Facilities in Sam and Ramdevra currently house 97 birds, with 11 birds earmarked for release.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentGreat Indian Bustard: A bird species released into the wild at Desert National Park, Jaisalmer.
- FactCaptive reproduction produced 24 chicks in 2025 and 29 chicks in 2026.
- BodyWildlife Institute of India: Collaborating body for the captive breeding initiative.
Prelims practice question
Which institution is collaborating with the Union Environment Ministry for the Great Indian Bustard captive breeding initiative?
- (a)Botanical Survey of India
- (b)Wildlife Institute of India
- (c)National Biodiversity Authority
- (d)Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Show answer
Answer: (b) Wildlife Institute of India — The note identifies the Wildlife Institute of India as a collaborating body for the captive breeding initiative.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of ex-situ conservation measures like captive breeding in preserving critically endangered species in India's arid ecosystems.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Genetic diversity risk: Potential for inbreeding depression in small captive populations
- Habitat integrity: Requirement for large, undisturbed corridors to ensure post-release survival
- Inter-agency coordination: Synergy between central ministries and state forest departments in wildlife management
Keywords: ex-situ conservation · captive breeding · biodiversity conservation · Great Indian Bustard · habitat restoration
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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.