Jaisalmer: Seven Great Indian Bustard chicks, a Schedule I protected species, have been successfully transferred from Sudasari region in Jaisalmer's Desert National Park to the newly established GIB Breeding and Conservation Centre at Ramdevra. This relocation brings the total number of transferred chicks to 13 this year.
The Wildlife Institute of India's (WII) breeding centre at Sudasari welcomed 15 new GIB chicks this breeding season. Following this population increase, a collaborative team from WII and the forest department relocated seven chicks to Ramdevra. The centre now houses 26 Great Indian Bustards.
The recent relocation operation covered 170 kms and took approximately 10 days, with two chicks being transported per journey.
Surthito Dutta, the Sudasari breeding centre coordinator, confirmed the successful transfer. The team developed a comprehensive strategy and initiated necessary preparations for the relocation.
The transport process involved a specially designed indigenous mesh box filled with sand to simulate natural conditions. The box accommodated the birds' distinctive long necks, and their eyes were covered to reduce stress. The relocated birds ranged from 1 to 5 months in age.
The custom-built transport case measured 60 centimetres in length, width, and 42 centimetres in height, featuring mesh covering and foam-lined walls. A three to four-day acclimatisation period involved placing the chicks in the box within an air-conditioned vehicle for brief drives.
The relocation began in the first week of June, comprising three separate journeys. Medical teams conducted health checks before departure and upon arrival. Each bird travelled with its familiar keeper and medical support.
The transport boxes were placed in air-conditioned vehicles with escort support throughout the 170-kilometre journey. The four-hour journey proceeded at a careful pace to ensure the birds' comfort. The successful mission concluded after seven days of acclimatisation.
This year's breeding programme at Sam Conservation Breeding Centre produced 15 chicks, primarily from captive-reared birds.