Two captive-raised Great Indian Bustards released into the wild in Rajasthan

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released two male Great Indian Bustards into the wild at the Desert National Park in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, marking the first time captive-bred birds of this critically endangered species have been sent back to their natural habitat.

Breeding and Numbers

The release follows nearly ten years of work by scientists, researchers, and field staff. The birds were raised at breeding centers in Sam and Ramdevra. These two centers currently care for a total of 97 birds, where 40 came from eggs found in the wild and 57 were born in captivity. Out of this total group, 86 birds remain set aside for breeding, while 11 are planned for release. The breeding program produced 24 live chicks in 2025 and 29 live chicks in 2026.

Collaboration

Minister Yadav credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for guidance and support toward animal protection efforts. 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 among the rarest birds in the world, facing heavy threats from habitat loss and power lines in its desert home. Breeding programs in specialized centers offer a vital way to rebuild wild bird numbers when natural populations drop too low to recover on their own.