The state of Madhya Pradesh is planning on increasing conservation activities around the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). The state has lost all the GIBs from the Karera sanctuary in Shivpuri and is left to preserve only a handful in Ghatigaon sanctuary (Gwalior). Chief Wildlife Warden HS Pabla closely monitored the conservation of the GIB in Desert National Park on his recent visit to Rajasthan, which is protecting around 100-150 GIBs. Only eight GIBs have been spotted in the last census in Ghatigaon sanctuary. The primary focus of the department’s efforts seems to be to protect the nesting grounds during the birds breeding period (between March and September).
The forest department is planning on inviting an official from the Wildlife Institute of India to identify the breeding grounds in Ghatigaon and Pohari, so that the special measures can be undertaken before the breeding starts. Fencing is to be erected to fortify the nesting areas and prevent animals and larger birds from damaging the eggs. The Great Indian Bustard is among the heaviest of all flying birds and fewer than a thousand remain. Ghatigaon also faces significant pressure from the mining mafia around the park and the forest department has limited resources to curb their activities.
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