India’s Endangered Bustard Takes Flight After Decade‑Long Breeding Effort

Rajasthan, October 4 – After more than a decade of captive‑breeding, two male Great Indian Bustards were set free in the Sam Desert National Park. The birds were released by Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav, who described the moment as a "major breakthrough" for Indian wildlife conservation.

The minister’s X post acknowledged the tireless contributions of researchers, forest staff and community volunteers who have worked for ten years to restore the bustard’s natural habitat. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering encouragement.

Yadav’s earlier trip to the Ramdevara breeding centre underscored the role of emerging scientists in the project. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said the release is a vital step toward reversing the decline of the Great Indian Bustard, a species that has faced severe population losses across its historic range.