Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Supreme Court Protects Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard
The Supreme Court of India has declared the protection of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) as non-negotiable.
The GIB is a large bird that lives in grasslands, mainly in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
There are very few of these birds left, and they are in danger of disappearing forever.
The court has set aside special areas where the birds can live safely.
These areas are 14,013 square kilometers in Rajasthan and 740 square kilometers in Gujarat.
The court also accepted suggestions from experts on how to protect the birds and their homes.
The Bishnoi community, known for their love for nature, was praised for their efforts in protecting the environment.
The court's decision is important because it will help save the GIB and make sure their habitat is protected.
The Supreme Court designated 14,013 sq km in Rajasthan and 740 sq km in Gujarat as protected zones for the Great Indian Bustard.
The court accepted recommendations for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of the GIB within these priority areas.
The GIB is a critically endangered species with a population of below 150.
Threats to the GIB include habitat loss, predation, and power lines.
Conservation efforts include long-term studies on climate change effects and restrictions on renewable energy projects within the protected zones.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India
- What
- Designated protected zones for the Great Indian Bustard and accepted recommendations for its conservation
- When
- 2024
- Where
- Rajasthan and Gujarat, India
- Why
- To protect the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard and its habitat
- Species
- Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
- Habitat
- Grasslands, primarily in Rajasthan and Gujarat
- Conservation Status
- Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List)
- Protected Zones
- 14,013 sq km in Rajasthan, 740 sq km in Gujarat
- Population
- Below 150
- Threats
- Habitat loss, predation, power lines
- Conservation Efforts
- In-situ and ex-situ conservation, breeding programs