The total population of Great Indian
Bustard in the country is estimated to be 296. The State-wise details of
estimated number of Great Indian Bustard in the country are as follows:
|
S.No.
|
Name of State
|
Estimated Population (no. of individuals)
|
|
1
|
Rajasthan
|
175
|
|
2
|
Gujarat
|
30
|
|
3
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
10
|
|
4
|
Maharashtra
|
46
|
|
5
|
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
|
35
|
According to the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species for birds, the Great Indian Bustard is on the brink of
extinction and is now listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ species. The population
of Great Indian Bustard has drastically reduced in the past few years due to
several factors such as habitat loss and degradation, and illegal hunting.
Great Indian Bustard has been identified as
one of the species under component- “Recovery programme for saving critically endangered species and habitats” of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, wherein financial assistance
is given for recovery programme of the species. Further, the Central Government has constituted a Task Force to
formulate an action plan for the conservation of Great Indian Bustard and Florican species in India.
Funds
have been released to the Government of Rajasthan for the Desert National Park
under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme- ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ for various activities, including
protection of Great Indian Bustard and its habitat. Details of funds released
for the Desert National Park during the last three years as well as the current
year are as follows:
|
Name of the Protected Area
|
Year
|
Amount released (Rs.
in Lakh)
|
|
Desert National Park, Rajasthan
|
2008-09
|
22.84
|
|
2009-10
|
34.13
|
|
2010-11
|
28.05
|
|
2011-12
|
20.18
|
|
Total:
|
105.2
|
This Information was given by the Minister of State for
Environment and Forests (I/C)Smt
Jayanthi Natarajan in a written reply to a question By Shri V.P.
Singh Badnore in Rajya Sabha Today.
KP