<h4>Introduction to the Great Indian Bustard</h4><p>The <strong>Great Indian Bustard</strong> (GIB), scientifically known as <strong>Ardeotis nigriceps</strong>, is one of the most iconic and critically endangered bird species in India. It holds significant ecological importance as a flagship species of grassland ecosystems.</p><h4>About the Great Indian Bustard</h4><div class='info-box'><ul><li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> <strong>Ardeotis nigriceps</strong></li><li><strong>Common Name:</strong> <strong>Great Indian Bustard</strong> (GIB)</li><li><strong>State Bird:</strong> Officially recognized as the <strong>State Bird of Rajasthan</strong>.</li></ul></div><p>The <strong>Great Indian Bustard</strong> is a large, terrestrial bird known for its majestic appearance. Its presence is a vital indicator of the health and biodiversity of its grassland habitat.</p><h4>Flagship Species and Grassland Ecology</h4><div class='key-point-box'><p>The <strong>Great Indian Bustard</strong> is considered a <strong>flagship grassland species</strong>. This means its conservation efforts indirectly protect many other species sharing the same habitat, representing the overall health of the <strong>grassland ecology</strong>.</p></div><p>Protecting the GIB ensures the preservation of vast grassland ecosystems, which are crucial for numerous other flora and fauna. These habitats are often overlooked but are biodiversity hotspots.</p><h4>Habitat and Distribution</h4><p>Historically, the <strong>Great Indian Bustard</strong> had a much wider distribution across the Indian subcontinent. However, its population is now severely fragmented and confined to a few specific regions.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Primary Habitats:</strong></p><ul><li>Mostly confined to <strong>Rajasthan</strong> and <strong>Gujarat</strong>.</li><li>Small, isolated populations also exist in <strong>Maharashtra</strong>, <strong>Karnataka</strong>, and <strong>Andhra Pradesh</strong>.</li></ul></div><p>These remaining habitats are critical for the survival of the species and require urgent, targeted conservation interventions.</p><h4>Conservation Status: Critically Endangered</h4><p>The <strong>Great Indian Bustard</strong> is classified as <strong>Critically Endangered</strong> by the <strong>IUCN Red List</strong>, making it one of India’s most threatened bird species. This status reflects an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>For <strong>UPSC Prelims</strong>, remember the <strong>IUCN status</strong> (Critically Endangered) and its recognition as the <strong>State Bird of Rajasthan</strong>. These are common factual questions.</p></div><h4>Major Threats and Vulnerabilities</h4><p>The GIB faces a multitude of threats, primarily anthropogenic in nature, which have led to its drastic population decline. These threats are complex and interconnected.</p><ul><li><strong>Collision/Electrocution with Power Transmission Lines:</strong> High-tension power lines pose a significant and often fatal risk, especially in their flight paths.</li><li><strong>Hunting:</strong> Although illegal in India, hunting remains a threat, particularly in border areas and neighboring countries like <strong>Pakistan</strong>.</li><li><strong>Habitat Loss and Alteration:</strong> Widespread agricultural expansion, industrialization, and infrastructure development convert crucial grassland habitats into other land uses.</li><li><strong>Habitat Degradation:</strong> Overgrazing, invasive species, and improper land management further degrade the quality of remaining habitats.</li></ul><h4>Reproductive Biology and Slow Population Growth</h4><p>The GIB's inherent biological characteristics also contribute to its vulnerability and slow recovery rates. They are a species with a low reproductive output.</p><div class='info-box'><ul><li><strong>Slow Reproduction:</strong> GIBs are a <strong>slow-reproducing species</strong>.</li><li><strong>Egg Laying:</strong> They lay only a few eggs per breeding cycle.</li><li><strong>Parental Care:</strong> Chicks require almost a <strong>year-long parental care</strong>, making them vulnerable for an extended period.</li><li><strong>Maturity:</strong> Individuals achieve sexual maturity relatively late, around <strong>3-4 years</strong> of age.</li></ul></div><p>This combination of low egg production, extended parental care, and delayed maturity means that population recovery is inherently slow, making every individual loss critical.</p>