Rollapadu Bustard Recovery Program
Dedicated to saving the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), a species listed as Critically
Endangered with only 100-150 individuals remaining in India.
Critically Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
<200 Birds
Current population in India
Since 2016
Bustard Recovery Program
Grassland Birds of Rollapadu Sanctuary
A study (1992–94) at Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, explored how grazing affects grassland birds. Researchers compared grazed areas with grazing-free enclosures using transect surveys. They recorded 32 grassland bird species – 21 residents, 4 winter visitors, and 7 seasonal migrants. Interestingly, both grazed and ungrazed areas supported 25 species each, with 20 species in common, but the community structure differed.
👉 Birds like Indian Courser, Red-wattled Lapwing, and Rufous-tailed Finch-Lark thrived in grazed grasslands with short vegetation.
👉 In contrast, Zitting Cisticola, Black Drongo, and Oriental Skylark preferred ungrazed enclosures with taller cover.
The enclosures created better conditions for sensitive species such as the Great Indian Bustard (Critically Endangered) and Lesser Florican, while grazed patches remained important for species dependent on open grass. This shows that both grazed and ungrazed habitats are vital, each fulfilling unique ecological roles.
Rollapadu’s semi-arid grasslands also support mammals like Blackbuck, Indian Fox, and Wolf, but face pressures from heavy livestock grazing, agriculture, and resource use. With no clear grazing policy in India, conservation must balance human needs and biodiversity.
Resources
Discover detailed reports, research papers, and conservation insights that highlight the challenges and actions taken to protect the Great Indian Bustard. Access publications, data, and visual guides that support awareness and inspire conservation efforts.
GIB Recovery Program: Key Visual Insights
A concise data overview highlighting mortality rates, habitat status, and conservation efforts from 2016 to 2024.
Bustard Family Comparative Data Table
Explore detailed data on bustard species worldwide, including scientific names, ranges, measurements, lifespan, and unique traits. This resource supports research, education, and bustard conservation initiatives.
Great Indian Bustard: Indicator Species of Undisturbed Grasslands
The Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered flagship species, inhabits arid and semi-arid grasslands across parts of India and Pakistan. Adapted for life in drought-prone regions, it faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and infrastructure development. Conservation efforts focus on protecting grasslands and reducing human impact to secure its survival.
Key Metrics & Findings*
*for details refer to FINAL REPORT 2016-2024 published by WII.
Population Estimate
Geographic Distribution
Genetic Diversity
Population Structure
Microsatellite Diversity
Gene Flow
Threats Identified
Major challenges facing the Great Indian Bustard population
Power-line Collisions
One of the largest threats as bustards fly low and have limited frontal vision
- Limited frontal vision makes detection difficult
- Low flight patterns increase collision risk
- High-voltage transmission lines are particularly dangerous
Habitat Loss & Degradation
Conversion of grasslands, agricultural intensity, and invasive species
- Grassland conversion to agriculture
- Increasing agricultural intensity
- Encroachment and development
- Invasive species colonization
Population Fragmentation
Isolated groups become vulnerable to stochastic events
- Small isolated populations
- Reduced genetic fitness
- Vulnerability to environmental changes
- Limited breeding opportunities
Conservation & Recovery Actions
Comprehensive strategies to protect and restore the Great Indian Bustard population
Habitat Restoration
- Native grass reseeding programs
- Removal and control of invasive plants
- Management of grazing patterns
- Restoration of breeding grounds
Power-line Safety
- Mapping high-risk transmission lines
- Installing bird diverters and markers
- Advocating for line rerouting
- Underground cable installation
Scientific Monitoring
- Population surveys using telemetry
- Acoustic monitoring methods
- Genetic diversity studies
- Breeding behavior research
Conservation Breeding
- Ex-situ breeding programs
- Genetic founder selection
- Captive population management
- Rewilding initiatives
Community Engagement
- Local farmer partnerships
- School awareness programs
- Community guardian training
- Coexistence strategies
Policy & Legal
- Supreme Court order enforcement
- Power infrastructure guidelines
- State action plan development
- Legal protection measures
Progress & Roadmap
Current achievements, identified gaps, and targets for the future
Achievements
- Habitat restoration programs initiated
- Community engagement and awareness increasing
- Scientific data collection underway
- Power-line safety measures beginning
- Legal frameworks being established
Achievements
- Genetic diversity remains critically low
- Infrastructure mortality still high
- Habitat fragmentation continues
- Population sizes remain small and isolated
- More captive breeding capacity needed
2025 Targets
% treated with safety measures
% survival rate
% in breeding grounds