In historic first, Great Indian bustard chick born through AI

In a historic first, a Great Indian Bustard chick was born through artificial insemination at the Sudasari Great Indian Bustard Breeding Centre in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Key Details:

Method: The chick was born using artificial insemination, a technique where sperm is collected from a male and manually introduced into a female.

Conservation Efforts: This success is part of the Bustard Conservation and Rehabilitation Program, aimed at preventing the extinction of the Great Indian Bustard and increasing its population.

About Great Indian Bustard The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, native to the Indian subcontinent.

Key Characteristics: 

Size: Stands approximately 1 meter tall and weighs between 15 to 18 kg. 

Habitat: Prefers open grasslands and scrublands. 

Diet: Feeds on a varied diet that includes seeds, insects, and small mammals.

Conservation Status: 

Population: Fewer than 150 individuals remain, primarily in Rajasthan and Gujarat. 

Threats: Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, hunting, and collisions with power lines.

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered