For the first time, captive-bred Great Indian Bustard will set foot in the wild
For the first time, captive-bred Great Indian Bustard will set foot in the wild Two male chicks, aged four to six months old, probable to be issued in existing enclosures in Desert National Park, Jaisalmer.
For the first time, captive-bred Great Indian Bustard will set foot in the wild Two male chicks, aged four to six months old, probable to be issued in existing enclosures in Desert National Park, Jaisalmer.
Article outline
- What happened
- Official response
- The bottom line
Key points
- According to those aware of developments, Union Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, and Rajasthan Chief Minister, Bhajan Lal Sharma, are probable to preside over the pilot release event.
- 5 min read New Delhi Oct 3, 2026 03: 54 AM IST.
- Newly hatched GIB chicks at the National Bustard Conservation Breeding Centre in Jaisalmer.
- Conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) birds.
- The pilot release will see the official commencement of the 'rewilding' phase of Project GIB.
Newly hatched GIB chicks at the National Bustard Conservation Breeding Centre in Jaisalmer. (Project GIB annual report 2024-25).
Conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) birds. It number regarding 140 in the wild, will enter a critical phase this weekend with at least two captive-bred GIB chicks slated for a pilot wild release in enclosures within the Desert National Park (DNP) in Jaisalmer, The Indian Express has learnt.
In practice, the pilot release will see the official commencement of the 'rewilding' phase of Project GIB. It is under implementation since 2013 for the long-term recovery of the flagship species of the Thar landscape.
According to those aware of developments, Union Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, and Rajasthan Chief Minister, Bhajan Lal Sharma, are probable to preside over the pilot release event. It is anticipated to be held on October 4. Already, a few chicks have been published at an aviary in Sam for soft release, away from humans, to prepare them for the rewilding process.
Taken together, the developments around for the first time, captive-bred Great Indian Bustard will set foot in point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.