State level recovery plans have been proposed to save the Great Indian Bustard species from extinction.
Following suggestions by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, all bustard range States are expected to prepare state-level recovery plans for conservation of the species.
In line with the MoEF guidelines, Madhya Pradesh has taken the first initiative in preparing a recovery plan for bustards. The proposed plan will aim at long-term conservation of both the bustard species found in Madhya Pradesh. With this State initiative, it is expected that the conservation of Lesser Florican and habitat restoration for GIB, will get a boost.
After decades of destruction, the focus largely remains on the forested habitats and the mega fauna that inhabits them. Many other vital and bio-diverse habitats such as grasslands and species inhabiting them continue to remain neglected.
The various bustard species in India continue to suffer. However, the latest initiative by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department brings some hope for the bustards, according to BNHS.
A State-level workshop was organised earlier this month by Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, Government officials and scientists from organisations such as BNHS-India and WWF-India participated in discussions to draw up a Recovery Plan for the conservation of Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican in Madhya Pradesh.
The workshop discussed various conservation issues related to both the species of bustards and the need to draw up an appropriate conservation policy. Government officers and conservationists from other bustard range States attended the workshop.
The grassland species of birds and animals including Bustard, Chinkara, Fox and Wolf have been affected in various parts of their former range. Even the predator of grasslands, the Asiatic Cheetah, vanished over 60 years ago from the country.
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh host these species. Madhya Pradesh has two sanctuaries each for GIB and LF. The situation in other bustard range states is a cause of concern, BNHS states.
Based on studies of bustard habitats over the years, BNHS believes that scientific and inclusive recovery plans and their implementation can help change the picture.