Great Indian Bustard UPSC: Insights & Sample Questions

Great Indian Bustard UPSC

The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is one of the critically endangered birds that are native to the Indian subcontinent. It is also known as the ‘Godawan’ in Hindi and ‘Maldhok’ in the local language of Rajasthan. The GIB was once widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, but now it is confined to only a few fragmented grasslands in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

The Great Indian Bustard is considered as one of the most charismatic birds of India and it has been listed as a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The conservation of this bird species has become a major concern for the government and various conservation agencies in India. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has also included questions related to the Great Indian Bustard in its exam syllabus.

In this article, we will discuss the Great Indian Bustard in detail and its importance for the UPSC exam.

Description and Distribution of Great Indian Bustard

The Great Indian Bustard is a large bird that stands up to 4 feet tall and weighs around 15 kg. The males are larger than the females and have a distinctive black crest on their heads. The bird has a brownish-grey body with black and white markings on its wings. The Great Indian Bustard is a ground-nesting bird and it feeds on grasses, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates.

The Great Indian Bustard was once widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, from the Himalayas in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south. It was also found in Pakistan, but now it is confined to only a few fragmented grasslands in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Threats to Great Indian Bustard

The Great Indian Bustard is facing a number of threats to its survival. The major threat is the loss of its grassland habitat due to agricultural expansion, industrialization, and urbanization. The bird is also facing threats from hunting, poaching, and collision with power lines.

The bird is also vulnerable to predators such as foxes, feral dogs, and wolves. The Great Indian Bustard has a slow reproductive rate, with females laying only one egg per year. This slow reproductive rate makes the bird more vulnerable to extinction.

Conservation Measures

The conservation of the Great Indian Bustard has become a major concern for the government and various conservation agencies in India. The government has taken several measures to conserve the bird species, including the following:

Establishment of Bustard Breeding Centres:

The government has established breeding centers for the Great Indian Bustard to increase their population. The breeding centers are equipped with artificial incubators and other equipment to ensure the survival of the chicks.

Habitat Conservation:

The government has taken measures to conserve the grassland habitat of the Great Indian Bustard. This includes the establishment of protected areas, such as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, and the implementation of conservation programs to restore degraded grasslands.

Awareness Programs:

The government has launched various awareness programs to educate people about the importance of the Great Indian Bustard and its conservation. The government has also involved local communities in the conservation efforts to increase their participation.

UPSC and Great Indian Bustard

The UPSC has included questions related to the Great Indian Bustard in its exam syllabus. The questions related to the Great Indian Bustard can be found in the General Studies paper, especially in the Environment and Ecology section. The questions related to the Great Indian Bustard can be of different types, such as:

Multiple Choice Questions:

The UPSC may ask multiple-choice questions related to the Great Indian Bustard, such as its habitat, threats, and conservation measures.

Essay Questions:

The UPSC may ask essay questions related to the Great Indian Bustard, such as the reasons for its decline, its ecological importance, and the measures taken by the government to conserve it.

Case Study Questions:

The UPSC may also ask case study questions related to the Great Indian Bustard, such as the conservation efforts being taken in a particular state or the impact of a particular policy on the conservation of the bird.

It is important for the UPSC aspirants to have a good understanding of the Great Indian Bustard and its conservation efforts. The aspirants should be aware of the threats faced by the bird, the measures taken by the government for its conservation, and the role of local communities in the conservation efforts. Aspirants should also have a good understanding of the ecological importance of the bird and its role in the grassland ecosystem.

Great Indian Bustard UPSC Questions with Answers

Q: What is the scientific name of the Great Indian Bustard?
A: The scientific name of the Great Indian Bustard is Ardeotis nigriceps.

Q: Why is the Great Indian Bustard a critically endangered species?
A: The Great Indian Bustard is a critically endangered species due to habitat loss, hunting, and accidental mortality.

Q: Where is the Great Indian Bustard found in India?
A: The Great Indian Bustard is found in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Q: What is the main threat to the Great Indian Bustard?
A: The main threat to the Great Indian Bustard is habitat loss due to agriculture, mining, and development activities.

Q: What are the conservation measures taken by the government to protect the Great Indian Bustard?
A: The government has established breeding centers, habitat conservation areas, and awareness programs to protect the Great Indian Bustard.

Q: What is the role of local communities in the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard?
A: Local communities play an important role in the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard by participating in awareness programs and protecting its habitat.

Q: How is the Great Indian Bustard important for the grassland ecosystem?
A: The Great Indian Bustard is a keystone species in the grassland ecosystem and plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance.

Q: What is the lifespan of the Great Indian Bustard?
A: The lifespan of the Great Indian Bustard is around 15-20 years in the wild.

Q: How does the Great Indian Bustard communicate?
A: The Great Indian Bustard communicates through a variety of calls and displays, including booming, clapping, and puffing up its feathers.

Q: What is the breeding season of the Great Indian Bustard?
A: The breeding season of the Great Indian Bustard is from March to September.

Q: How many eggs does the Great Indian Bustard lay in a clutch?
A: The Great Indian Bustard lays only one egg in a clutch.

Q: What is the incubation period of the Great Indian Bustard?
A: The incubation period of the Great Indian Bustard is around 24-26 days.

Q: What is the diet of the Great Indian Bustard?
A: The Great Indian Bustard feeds on a variety of grasses, seeds, insects, and small mammals.

Q: How fast can the Great Indian Bustard run?
A: The Great Indian Bustard can run at a speed of up to 60 km/h.

Q: How does the Great Indian Bustard adapt to its grassland habitat?
A: The Great Indian Bustard adapts to its grassland habitat by being a ground-dwelling bird and relying on camouflage to avoid predators.

Q: What is the status of the Great Indian Bustard in the IUCN Red List?
A: The Great Indian Bustard is classified as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List.

Q: What are the threats faced by the Great Indian Bustard in addition to habitat loss?
A: The Great Indian Bustard also faces threats from hunting, power lines, and collisions with vehicles.

Q: How can the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard benefit the local communities?
A: The conservation of the Great Indian Bustard can benefit the local communities by promoting eco-tourism and creating job opportunities.

Q: What is the significance of the Great Indian Bustard in Indian culture?
A: The Great Indian Bustard has cultural significance in India and is featured in traditional folk songs, stories, and art.

Q: How can knowledge about the Great Indian Bustard be useful for the UPSC exam?
A: Knowledge about the Great Indian Bustard can be useful for the UPSC exam as it is an important topic in the environment and ecology section and can also be related to issues of sustainable development and conservation policies.

Great Indian Bustard UPSC Insights

The Great Indian Bustard is a critically endangered bird species native to India. It is an important topic in the environment and ecology section of the UPSC exam, as well as related to issues of sustainable development and conservation policies. Here are some insights on the Great Indian Bustard that can be useful for UPSC preparation:

Habitat loss:

The Great Indian Bustard is primarily threatened by habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, mining, and development activities. It is important to understand the impacts of these activities on the bird’s habitat and the importance of preserving grasslands for its survival.

Conservation measures:

The government of India has taken various conservation measures to protect the Great Indian Bustard, including establishing breeding centers, habitat conservation areas, and awareness programs. It is important to understand these measures and their effectiveness in the conservation of the species.

Local community participation:

Local communities play an important role in the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard. They can participate in awareness programs, protect its habitat, and benefit from eco-tourism opportunities. Understanding the role of local communities in conservation efforts is important for UPSC preparation.

Keystone species:

The Great Indian Bustard is a keystone species in the grassland ecosystem and plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance. It is important to understand the significance of the bird’s role in the ecosystem and the potential impacts of its decline on other species.

Cultural significance:

The Great Indian Bustard has cultural significance in India and is featured in traditional folk songs, stories, and art. Understanding the cultural significance of the bird can provide insights into its conservation and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Threats beyond habitat loss:

In addition to habitat loss, the Great Indian Bustard also faces threats from hunting, power lines, and collisions with vehicles. It is important to understand the multiple threats facing the bird and the need for comprehensive conservation measures.

Overall, the Great Indian Bustard is an important topic for UPSC preparation and understanding the threats and conservation measures related to this species can provide valuable insights into environmental issues and conservation policies.

Conclusion

The Great Indian Bustard is a critically endangered bird species that is native to the Indian subcontinent. The bird is facing a number of threats to its survival, including the loss of its grassland habitat and hunting. The conservation of the Great Indian Bustard has become a major concern for the government and various conservation agencies in India. The government has taken several measures to conserve the bird species, including the establishment of breeding centers, habitat conservation, and awareness programs. The UPSC has also included questions related to the Great Indian Bustard in its exam syllabus, highlighting the importance of the bird and its conservation efforts. It is important for the UPSC aspirants to have a good understanding of the Great Indian Bustard and its conservation efforts to score well in the exam.