40 Days, One Big Hope: Gujarat's Great Indian Bustard Chick Clears Critical Survival Milestone
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
In a major boost for wildlife conservation, a Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick born under Gujarat's second 'Jump Start' conservation project has successfully survived its first 40 days — the most vulnerable phase in the life of one of the world's rarest birds.
The chick hatched on May 21, 2026, at the Great Indian Bustard Conservation Breeding Centre in Naliya, Kutch, and has now crossed a crucial survival milestone under continuous scientific care.
The achievement is significant because the Great Indian Bustard, locally known as Ghorad, is listed among the world's most critically endangered bird species, with only a small wild population remaining.
How the 'Jump Start' project works
Under the conservation programme, GIB eggs are first protected in their natural habitat before being shifted to a controlled breeding facility for artificial incubation.
The newly hatched chick is being monitored round the clock by wildlife experts, veterinarians and conservation staff, who are overseeing its nutrition, health and development during the most delicate stage of its life.
Gujarat's conservation efforts
State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia described the development as an encouraging step for the species' long-term recovery.
He said the successful survival of the chick offers renewed hope for the future of the Ghorad and underlines the importance of conserving endangered wildlife to maintain ecological balance.
The survival of the chick is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to increase the population of the Great Indian Bustard through scientific breeding and habitat conservation initiatives in Gujarat.
