Context:
The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has not put in its annual appearance this year at the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary.
Great Indian Bustard:
- Also known as ‘Godawan’ in Rajatshan, ‘Maldhok’ in Maharasthra, ‘Son Chiriya’ in Madhya Pradesh
- Endemic to – Indian Sub-continent
- Characteristics –
- A large bird with a horizontal body and long bare legs, giving it an ostrich-like appearance
- Heaviest among flying birds
- Opportunist eaters – Flexible according to environment and food availability
- Distribution –
- Majorly confined to Rajasthan (highest population) and Gujarat
- Small population occur in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
- Habitat –
- Arid and semi – arid grasslands, open country with thorn scrub, tall grass interspersed with cultivation,
- Avoids irrigated areas, grasses taller than themselves and dense scrub like thickets.
- Conservation Status – Critically Endangered
- Other Bustard Species Found in India – Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican
- Threats – Hunting, poaching outside Protected Areas, collisions with high tension electric wires, fast moving vehicles and free-ranging dogs in villages.
- GIB Conservation steps –
- Species for Recovery Programme under Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats
- Included under National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016)
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary:
- State – Andhra Pradesh
- Location – Eastern Ghats
- The only GIB Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?
1. It is spread over two districts.
2. There is no human habitation inside the Park.
3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct:
There are 73 villages and also settlements or Dhanis existing within the Park which have inhabited this area for hundreds of years and with their rich culture and tradition they are an integral part of this ecosystem.
