Four new GIB chicks boost conservation efforts in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer: Conservation initiatives for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) in Jaisalmer achieved yet another feat, with four chicks hatching at Sudasari Conservation Breeding Centre in Desert National Park, signalling promising progress in the species' recovery. Three of these chicks emerged on April 2, while another hatched, on March 29, bringing the total number of GIB bred in captivity over the past two years to 20.

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) reported these hatchings have brought the total number of chicks born in 2025 to six, boosting the GIB (godawan) population in Jaisalmer to 50, with 28 at Ramdevra and 22 at Sudasari.

The breeding success at both centres highlights the effectiveness of the National Conservation Breeding Programme. "The emergence of four chicks within a week is a major achievement," said Brijmohan Gupta, DFO of Desert National Park. "It shows that our conservation efforts are yielding tangible results, and the Godawan population is steadily growing," he added.

Confirming the success of artificial insemination, a critical part of the Bustard Recovery Programme, Dr. Suthirto Dutta, senior scientist at WII, said, "At the Sam breeding centre, the latest births were the result of both natural mating and artificial hatching."

These efforts, including training from the International Fund for Houbara Conservation in Abu Dhabi, mark a significant step in the preservation of Rajasthan's state bird.