Two Endangered Great Indian Bustards Released into Rajasthan Desert

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released two male Great Indian Bustards into the wild at the Desert National Park in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, on October 4, 2026. This release marks the first time captive-bred birds of this critically endangered species have been sent back into their natural desert habitat.

Breeding and Numbers

The two released birds grew up at breeding centers located in Sam and Ramdevra. Right now, these facilities house a total of 97 birds. Out of this total group, 40 birds hatched from eggs collected in the wild, while 57 birds were born through captive breeding programs. Authorities have set aside 86 of these birds for future breeding behind fences, and 11 birds are planned for release into the open wild. The breeding program successfully produced a total of 24 live chicks during the year before last, and another 29 live chicks during the past year.

Program Partners

Minister Yadav shared details of the event on the social media platform X, stating that the achievement came after nearly ten years of hard work by scientists, researchers, and field workers. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for guidance and support that helped researchers protect local wildlife species. The conservation project is a joint effort run by the Union Environment Ministry, the Rajasthan Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India.

Context

The Great Indian Bustard is one of the rarest flying birds on Earth, with its remaining population heavily threatened by habitat loss and power lines in the Thar desert. Conservation breeding programs take years of careful work because these large birds lay very few eggs and take a long time to raise their young. Releasing captive-bred animals into the wild is a standard method used by wildlife experts to help rebuild fading animal populations in their historic home regions.