The Great Indian Bustard
Why it Matters?
The Union Environment Ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee approved an EIA study for the 400-hectare Birmania Rock Phosphate mine in Jaisalmer, a potential Great Indian Bustard (GIB) zone.
What You Should Know?
The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is a critically endangered bird found in the Indian subcontinent.
It is the state bird of Rajasthan.
It is among the heaviest of the flying birds.
Its population is estimated at fewer than 150 individuals in the wild.
Major habitats are in Rajasthan (Thar Desert), Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
It prefers open grasslands and semi-arid regions.
It is known as an indicator species reflecting the health of open grasslands.