Context

The Supreme Court has recently appointed an expert committee to look into the preservation of the Great Indian Bustard which is "non-negotiable" and "need for sustainable development in the context of meeting the international commitments of the country towards promoting renewable sources of energy.

About Great Indian Bustard

• The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotisnigriceps), is a bustard native to the Indian subcontinent. Bustards are large terrestrial birds found in dry grasslands and steppe regions. It is also known as the Indian Bustard; it is among the heaviest of flying birds in existence.
• It is the State bird of Rajasthan and is considered India’s most critically endangered bird.
• It is considered the flagship grassland species, representing the health of the grassland ecology.
• Latest survey shows the number of GIB reached alarmingly to 150 including 25 GIBs in captive government’s breeding centre.
• Protection Status:
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List: Critically Endangered
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix I
  • Convention on Migratory Species (CMS):Appendix I
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule 1
• Factors led to these birds to the verge of extinction: Low birth rate, poaching, predation, ecological factors, frequent collisions with overhead power transmission lines and habitat destruction are some of the causes that have pushed these birds to the verge of extinction.