Two Captive-Bred Great Indian Bustards Released into Thar Desert in Rajasthan, Scientists to Track Movements via GPS In a major conservation milestone, two captive-bred Great Indian Bustards were freed into their natural habitat at the Sudasari range of Desert National Park in Jaisalmer following comprehensive re-wilding training. Fitted with GPS tags, the birds will be monitored around the clock by Wildlife Institute of India scientists. A historic milestone has been accomplished in the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard within the Thar desert in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district. For the very first time, two bustards reared inside a specialized captive breeding center were freed into their native wild habitat within the Sudasari range of the Desert National Park. Both birds have been fitted with advanced GPS tags, enabling researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India to continuously track their movements across the wilderness. Scientists will conduct round-the-clock surveillance of their flight paths, foraging habits, territory selection, and resting grounds. A central priority of this monitoring operation is to safeguard these birds from the grave hazards posed by overhead high-tension electricity lines and natural predators roaming the desert. Extensive Two to Three Month Preparation Inside Re-wilding Tunnels This initiative represents the first instance where Great Indian Bustards raised through captive breeding protocols have been directly returned to the wild following a structured re-wilding regimen. Prior to their release, the two birds spent approximately 2 to 3 months inside specialized re-wilding tunnels designed to emulate authentic desert surroundings. During this phase, they practiced flying in open spaces, hunting for natural nourishment independently, and staying vigilant against outdoor environmental challenges. It was only after extensive behavioural evaluations and comprehensive medical screenings confirmed that both individuals were completely healthy and self-sufficient that specialists approved their official release into the open wilderness. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Top Wildlife Officials Witness Release Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav was physically present to oversee this historic release operation. He was joined by Minister of State for Forests Sanjay Sharma and Director General of Forests Santosh Tiwari, alongside a delegation of senior officials from the state forest department and the Wildlife Institute of India. Forest administrators and conservation biologists described the event as a pivotal breakthrough in safeguarding this rare avian species. The telemetry data beamed from the GPS transmitters will provide invaluable empirical evidence on how captive-reared bustards acclimatize to the elements, select roosting sites, and navigate natural rangelands. Decade-Long Scientific Commitment Bears Fruit in Rajasthan This conservation achievement is the culmination of roughly 10 years of persistent fieldwork and research led jointly by the Rajasthan Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India. Over the past decade, specialists methodically managed every stage of the recovery plan, from artificial incubation and meticulous chick rearing to flight conditioning inside re-wilding enclosures and final wild reintroduction. Tracking the daily movements of these bustards will also illuminate critical danger zones around high-voltage transmission grids, informing broader mitigation policies. The flight of these two birds across the Thar desert marks the opening of an encouraging new chapter in India's biodiversity preservation efforts. What this means for you The successful release of captive-bred Great Indian Bustards into the Thar desert represents a vital turning point for India's ecological preservation and wildlife recovery frameworks. • Across India: This development validates that scientific captive-breeding and re-wilding protocols can successfully revive critically endangered avian species on the brink of extinction. It establishes a viable scientific blueprint for biodiversity recovery projects nationwide. • In Rajasthan: Wildlife authorities in Jaisalmer will gain actionable movement data to better identify dangerous high-tension power line corridors. This will enable safer land-use planning and boost local eco-conservation efforts across the Thar landscape. • For Researchers: Telemetry data beamed from the GPS tags will unlock deep behavioural insights regarding foraging patterns and habitat selection in the wild. Scientists can use these real-time findings to refine future reintroduction cycles. • For Citizens: The project demonstrates that decade-long institutional persistence can reverse biodiversity crises and restore native heritage. It fosters greater environmental awareness regarding fragile desert ecosystems and endangered fauna. Why this happened This historic release is the outcome of a decade-long collaborative effort by the Rajasthan Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India to rescue the Great Indian Bustard from extinction. • Direct Trigger: Two captive-bred bustards successfully completed a rigorous two to three month re-wilding tunnel training regime and cleared all medical assessments. Having demonstrated self-reliance and optimal health, wildlife authorities approved their release into the open wild. • Background Context: Shrinking grassland habitats, natural predators, and lethal collisions with overhead high-tension power lines severely depleted wild bustard populations. This critical situation prompted authorities to initiate an intensive breeding and conservation program roughly a decade ago. • Scientific Procedure: The recovery roadmap involved artificial incubation, careful chick nurturing, and specialized conditioning inside flight tunnels to teach natural foraging and survival instincts. • Next Steps: Continuous 24-hour GPS tracking will monitor the birds' flight trajectories and identify power line hazards to refine future wild release operations. Questions & Answers 1. Where were the captive-bred Great Indian Bustards released? They were released into their natural habitat at the Sudasari range of the Desert National Park in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. 2. What training did the bustards receive before their release into the wild? They underwent 2 to 3 months of training in specialized re-wilding tunnels to learn open-air flight, natural foraging, and outdoor survival skills. 3. How will scientists track the movements of the released bustards? Both birds are fitted with GPS tags, enabling scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India to conduct 24-hour monitoring of their flight paths, foraging, and roosting locations. 4. Which senior ministers and officials attended the release event? Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Minister of State for Forests Sanjay Sharma, DG Forests Santosh Tiwari, and senior wildlife experts were present. 5. How long has this bustard conservation program been underway? The Rajasthan Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India have been working on this captive breeding and re-wilding initiative for roughly 10 years. 6. What are the major threats to the bustards in their natural desert habitat? Overhead high-tension power transmission lines and wild predators pose the most significant hazards to their survival in the open desert. Inspiration & Lessons This landmark achievement, born from ten years of rigorous scientific perseverance, proves that dedication can overcome even the most daunting conservation challenges. • Power of Long-Term Dedication: Wildlife biologists and forest officers pursued their mission diligently over an entire decade without losing focus. Enduring commitment can turn complex uphill battles into historic breakthroughs. • Importance of Meticulous Preparation: The birds were not released abruptly; they underwent months of systematic conditioning inside re-wilding tunnels. Methodical preparation and testing are vital before undertaking any significant leap forward. • Harmonizing Science with Nature: Integrating cutting-edge GPS tracking technology with ecological stewardship delivered measurable results. Scientific innovation, when applied with purpose, serves as a powerful guardian of our planet. https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/rajasthan-ke-thar-registana-men-kaiptiva-bridinga-vale-do-godawan-jngala-men-chhore-gae-vaijnanika-gps-se-karenge-nigarani-42585 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.