Jaisalmer: Exciting news from Rajasthan! A chick of the Great Indian Bustard has hatched at the Ramdevra Breeding Centre near Pokhran. This is the first time such a chick has been born using modern artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. It’s a bright spot for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists dedicated to preserving this endangered state bird.
The chick was born from an egg developed through an AI process, involving a female named Jerry and a male named Parva. Earlier this month, other chicks hatched at the Sam-Sudasari Breeding Centre as well. Thanks to these efforts, the population of Great Indian Bustards in Jaisalmer has now increased to 73, showcasing the impact of concentrated scientific efforts over the years.
Brijmohan Gupta, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) at Desert National Park (DNP), called this accomplishment a significant milestone. The Ramdevra centre, established in 2022, features a controlled environment, strong fencing, and scientific oversight to help breed this vulnerable species. “This facility is now a key part of our conservation strategy,” he stated.
The conservation work falls under Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB), initiated in 2016 by the Central and State Governments, alongside the Wildlife Institute of India. The project’s launch faced skepticism due to the rapidly declining population and low natural breeding rates. Yet, after seven years of dedicated effort, it’s proving successful. According to estimates by the Wildlife Institute of India, the Great Indian Bustard population has declined by over 80% in the last few decades, increasing the urgency of these initiatives.
Gupta explained that natural reproduction for these birds is slow and fraught with challenges. “Eggs in the wild face risks from predators, temperature fluctuations, and human interference,” he noted. This is where AI offers hope. Scientists collect semen from males and inject it into females under controlled conditions, greatly increasing the chance of fertilization without the need for natural mating.
After fertilization, the eggs are placed in an incubator with monitored temperature and humidity, reducing the likelihood of egg loss. Gupta emphasized that AI can significantly enhance the reproduction rates of rare birds like the Great Indian Bustard, an advantage not achievable naturally.
The existing Sam-Sudasari breeding centre has already seen many successes. The addition of Ramdevra has injected new energy into the efforts, with scientists monitoring both centres around the clock. After the chicks hatch, their diet, environment, and health are meticulously observed.
The signs are promising. Forest Department officials report that the growing Great Indian Bustard population suggests these birds will soon be ready for reintroduction into their natural habitats.
Recently, Union Forest and Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav shared a hopeful update on social media: a Great Indian Bustard chick was sighted in Gujarat for the first time in nearly a decade, thanks to the ‘Jumpstart’ conservation initiative. This initiative is a collaboration between the Centre, the Forest Departments of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and the Wildlife Institute of India, showing the power of teamwork in conservation efforts.
The work at these breeding centres serves as a vital step toward not only preserving the Great Indian Bustard but also inspiring similar efforts for other endangered species. The success seen here highlights the importance of blending traditional conservation methods with modern technology.
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AI METHOD, RAMDEVRA, SAM SUDASARI, JAISALMER, GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD, GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD CHICK BORN THROUGH AI METHOD AT RAMDEVRA BREEDING CENTRE
