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Rare Great Indian Bustard Chick Hatches in Gujarat After Decade-Long Wait

A critically endangered Great Indian Bustard chick has successfully hatched in Gujarat's Kutch region, ending a decade-long wait for such an event. The birth resulted from 'Operation Egg Transfer,' a complex mission to transport a fertile egg from Rajasthan in a portable incubator. State Minister Arjun Modhwadia hailed the achievement, crediting collaborative efforts between Gujarat, Rajasthan, and national wildlife institutes. The success is part of 'Project GIB,' a conservation initiative launched following a vision set by then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Key Points: Great Indian Bustard Chick Born in Gujarat Conservation Win

  • Chick hatched after decade-long gap
  • 'Operation Egg Transfer' from Rajasthan
  • Part of 'Project GIB' conservation vision
  • Uses advanced Jumpstart Approach technique
2 min read

Rare Great Indian Bustard chick born in Gujarat following advanced wildlife initiative

A critically endangered Great Indian Bustard chick hatches in Kutch after a successful 'Operation Egg Transfer' from Rajasthan, marking a major conservation milestone.

Rare Great Indian Bustard chick born in Gujarat following advanced wildlife initiative
"a moment of pride for all of us - Arjun Modhwadia"

Bhuj, March 28

After a decade-long gap, a chick of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard has hatched in Kutch, marking a significant achievement in wildlife conservation for Gujarat.

The birth, in the Abdasa region, follows a carefully executed operation to introduce a fertile egg from a Rajasthan breeding centre into the Kutch population.

State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the achievement is "a moment of pride for all of us" and credited the joint efforts of the Gujarat and Rajasthan Forest Departments, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for the success.

The initiative, known as 'Operation Egg Transfer', involved transporting a fertile egg from Rajasthan over 19 hours by road in a portable incubator to ensure its safe arrival in Kutch.

On March 22, the egg was carefully placed in the nest of a female bustard, replacing an infertile one.

The female naturally incubated the egg, resulting in the hatching of a healthy chick on March 26.

Modhwadia highlighted that the achievement was made possible through the application of an advanced conservation technique called the Jumpstart Approach.

"Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the Gujarat Forest Department has achieved an unprecedented milestone in wildlife conservation," he noted.

The Minister also praised the officers of the Wildlife Division for their dedication and congratulated all those involved in making the mission successful.

Union Forest and Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav conveyed his congratulations, commending the collaborative efforts of the Environment Ministry, the Gujarat and Rajasthan forest departments, and the WII.

The birth is part of 'Project GIB', launched in 2016 following a vision set by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conserve the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.

Breeding centres at Sam and Ramdevra in Rajasthan have now collectively increased the bird population to 73.

Modhwadia said that ongoing field monitoring is being conducted to observe the female bustard and her chick.

He added that this achievement strengthens India's commitment to wildlife conservation and is a source of pride for scientists, forest officers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Fantastic achievement! It's heartening to see different state departments and the central ministry working together for conservation. The Jumpstart Approach seems very advanced. Hope this chick grows strong and more such successes follow. Our wildlife needs all the help it can get.
A
Arjun K
While this is a positive step, we must not forget the primary threats to the GIB—power lines and habitat loss. Celebrations are good, but sustained action on the ground to secure their grasslands is what will truly save the species. Hope this success translates into more protected habitat.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves birdwatching, this news makes me so happy. The GIB is magnificent. Transporting an egg for 19 hours in an incubator is incredible dedication. Big respect to all the field staff monitoring the mother and chick. Wishing them the very best.
V
Vikram M
Project GIB showing results! Good to see a long-term vision being executed. This is real development—protecting our biodiversity. The collaboration between states is the key takeaway for me. More power to our forest warriors!
K
Kavya N
After a decade-long gap... what a moment! 🙏 It must have been so tense for the team waiting for the egg to hatch. So much careful planning paid off. This chick is a symbol of hope. Let's all support conservation efforts in whatever way we can.

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