Bustard Recovery Program

For Farmers & Schools
Coexistence & Learning

Practical measures for farmers and engaging learning for schools —
securing both harvests and habitats in the Rollapadu grasslands.

Critically Endangered

IUCN Red List Status

<200 Birds

Current population in India

Since 2016

Bustard Recovery Program

Rollapadu Grasslands Conservation

The Rollapadu grasslands represent a critical ecosystem where agriculture and wildlife coexist. Our mission is to
support both farmers and educational institutions in understanding and implementing sustainable practices that
protect this unique habitat while maintaining agricultural productivity.

For Farmers — Coexistence and Support

Why coexistence matters

Rollapadu is recognized under IBA criteria A1/A4ii, where agriculture borders grasslands that wildlife use for movement and foraging. Conflicts with blackbuck and grazing can reduce yields and harm habitats if not managed through local protocols.

Seasonal Guidance

Align sowing and guarding with peak crop-stage risks while protecting nesting seasons in grasslands. Maintain clean, low-shrub edges to reduce predator cover and sustain open habitat structure.

Non-lethal Crop Protection

Collective night watches, deterrents, and crop guarding rotations lower costs and improve effectiveness. Barriers and trials should be coordinated to avoid shifting wildlife pressure to neighboring farms.

Grazing & Pasture Coordination

Agree on seasonal grazing windows so livestock fodder needs are met while protecting sensitive nesting periods. Rotate grazing pressure across plots to avoid trampling and habitat cover loss.

Incident Reporting & Rapid Response

Standardize reports for crop loss, poaching attempts, and hazards for timely support and risk mapping. Use Updates and Data & Reports to follow mitigation outcomes and access shared protocols.

How support reaches farms

Habitat Actions

Direct restoration and stewardship to priority zones.

CSR & Philanthropy

Fund deterrents, guarding rotations, and materials with transparent milestones.

For Schools — Learn and Participate

Why Rollapadu in classrooms

Rollapadu, a Deccan grassland IBA site, offers living lessons on species–habitat connections and community stewardship. Local schools can support by documenting seasons, species, and habitat condition through safe, structured activities.

 

Classroom Modules

Grassland Basics

Open habitat structure, shrubs, and seasonal shifts.

Species Stories

Great Indian Bustard, raptors, and Lesser Florican as flagship examples.

Field Activities (Supervised)

Edge Walks

Observe habitat from outside, noting openness, grass height, and wildlife signs without disturbance.

Roost Awareness

Roost Awareness Dusk sessions on raptor roosts with strict no-disturbance rules.

Data Ethics & Safety

Students practice non-intrusive observation under Science & Monitoring protocols.
All activities avoid sensitive zones and are done with adult supervision.

Bring Science to Life

Simple Transects & Point Counts

Show how repeated observations guide conservation.

Public Datasets Exploration

Understand real conservation outcomes through data analysis.

How to Get Involved

Schools can request guided sessions, teaching kits, or co-host awareness days linked to Habitat Actions milestones. Media Kit and Site Factsheet provide approved facts and visuals for projects.

Explore Our Resources

Access comprehensive documentation and tools for conservation action

Site Factsheet

Threats & Solutions

Habitat Actions

Science & Monitoring

Data & Reports

CSR & Philanthropy

Updates

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re a farmer looking for coexistence solutions or an educator seeking
conservation curriculum, we’re here to help.