JAIPUR: The Desert National Park (DNP) in Jaisalmer has witnessed the successful birth of 11 Great Indian Bustards(GIB), taking the figure of the "critically endangered" species at its facility to 151.
The 11 out of 15 eggs were spotted in the park's satellite area by a wildlife patrolling team. The team had been keeping a close watch on the enclosures from January to June. The hatching took place recently, an official said on Thursday.
The bustard, popularly known as 'Godawan', is Rajasthan's state bird. The state government has started "Project Godawan" for its conservation.
"Mostly Godawan eggs fall prey to predators before hatching. Thus, the successful hatching is good news for us. The hatchlings would be able to fly in two to three weeks' time. We are keeping a close watch on the birds," Anoop K R, Jaisalmer district conservator of forest (wildlife), said.
As per the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, the Desert National Park (DNP) has 140 such birds. With 11 new birds, the number has now gone up to 151, the official said.
The bustard was included in the list of "critically endangered" species after its number fell drastically due to poaching and erosion of habitat among other reasons.
