From Scroll · Arathi Menon · · 1m 10s
Great Indian Bustard Rewilding Progress
Four captive-bred great Indian bustards released in Rajasthan, one died from predation, but experts say rewilding timeline could be met in eight years.
In brief
Four captive-bred great Indian bustards released in Rajasthan, one died from predation, but experts say rewilding timeline could be met in eight years. Experts remain optimistic about rewilding great Indian bustards despite one death in October, with survival rates at 80% in captivity versus 18% in the wild…
First Release
Four captive-bred great indian bustards released into desert national park in rajasthan.
First Death
One bird found dead on october 17, apparently predated by a desert fox.
Scientist on Survival
Sutirtha dutta says survival rates for captive-bred bustards are 80% versus 18% in the wild.
Chick Hatching
A chick hatched in kutch, gujarat in march after egg transported from jaisalmer.
Chick Disappearance
Chick went missing in april after forest officials searched for it.
Jumpstart Approach
Project uses eggs from rajasthan to incubate wild female bustards in gujarat.
Critics Question Transparency
Wildlife biologist sumit dookia says authorities lack transparency about the program.
Predation Concerns
Dookia questions how foxes entered predator-proof enclosures and safeguards for released birds.
Fox Management
Dutta says fox translocation improves hatching success for wild bustard eggs.
The takeaway
Experts remain optimistic about rewilding great Indian bustards despite one death in October, with survival rates at 80% in captivity versus 18% in the wild.
