FAST READ
- Gujarat released a science-based Action Plan for Great Indian Bustard conservation.
- Plan seeks a minimum viable population of more than 30 birds.
- It aims to secure 200-500 sq km of safe, contiguous habitat.
WHY IN NEWS
- The Environment Ministry reviewed Great Indian Bustard conservation, grassland restoration and Project Cheetah at Bhuj on 13 September
- The Gujarat Action Plan shifts conservation from isolated species protection toward landscape-scale habitat recovery.
TOP DATA & FACTS
- Review date: 13 September 2026.
- Minimum viable GIB population objective: more than 30 birds.
- Safe contiguous habitat objective: 200-500 sq km.
- Immediate Lala-Rawa landscape focus: about 200 sq km.
- Restored Prosopis-infested grassland near Naliya: about 11 sq km.
- Predator-proof fencing: 30 km.
- Area enclosed by fencing: 15 sq km.
- Critical wild-chick milestone: survival beyond first 3 months.
- Grasslands cover nearly 24% of India's land area.
- Proposed national grassland assessment duration: 5 years.
- Project Cheetah founder animals: 29.
- Current cheetah population cited: 52.
- Cubs born in India: 49.
- Kuno cub survival rate: about 68%.
- Integrated protected cheetah habitat: 3,428 sq km.
PRELIMS
- The GIB is Critically Endangered and depends on open natural ecosystems.
- Power/infrastructure threats, invasive species and habitat fragmentation are major conservation concerns.
- Grasslands are ecosystems, not 'wastelands'.
QUICK REVISION
- Review date: 13 September 2026.
- Minimum viable GIB population objective: more than 30 birds.
- Safe contiguous habitat objective: 200-500 sq km.
- Immediate Lala-Rawa landscape focus: about 200 sq km.
- Restored Prosopis-infested grassland near Naliya: about 11 sq km.
- Predator-proof fencing: 30 km.
- Area enclosed by fencing: 15 sq km.
- Critical wild-chick milestone: survival beyond first 3 months.
PROBABLE OBJECTIVE QUESTION
Consider the following statements:
- Gujarat's plan seeks a minimum viable GIB population above 30.