Conservation Successes in Gujarat

Great Indian Bustard Conservation

The Gujarat Forest Department has achieved a significant milestone in the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. A second chick hatched using the "jump-start" technique has survived beyond the critical 40-day period.

Recovery of Indian Grey Hornbill Population

Another significant conservation success is the recovery of the Indian Grey Hornbill population in the Gir forests through a pioneering species reintroduction program.

• The Indian Grey Hornbill was last sighted in the Gir landscape in 1950, with its population declining significantly in the 1950s and 1960s.
• Despite being locally extinct in Gir, the species still inhabits the forests of southern and central Gujarat.
• Reintroduction efforts commenced in 2021, leading to the establishment of successful territories and the production of offspring by the hornbills.

Reintroduction Program Details

A research paper titled "Reintroduction of Indian Grey Hornbills in Gir, India: Insights into Ranging, Habitat Use, Nesting and Behavioural Patterns" provides insights into the program:

• In the first phase (2021-2022), 28 birds were reintroduced, while 12 were reintroduced in the second phase (2023).
• During the first phase, five male birds were equipped with Platform Transmitter Terminal/Global System for Mobile Communications (PTT/GSM) transmitters.
• Six more males were equipped with PTT transmitters in the second phase.

According to Mohan Ram, Conservator of Forests, Junagadh Circle, the project released a total of 40 Indian Grey Hornbills in two phases. Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Gujarat, stated that successful breeding, shrinking home ranges, and stable habitat use indicate the program's progress towards establishing a self-sustaining population.