The Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
Field Operations for Wildlife Conservation & Community Engagement
Critically Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
<200 Birds
Current population in India
Since 2016
Bustard Recovery Program
The Bird We're Saving
Great Indian Bustard
Ardeotis nigriceps
Critically Endangered
With an extremely small, rapidly declining population, the GIB faces imminent extinction risk.
Historical Range Loss
Once widespread across the Indian subcontinent, now confined to small pockets in the Thar and Deccan grasslands.
Rapid Decline
Population has crashed from thousands to approximately 150 individuals across fragmented habitats.
Current Status
Hope for Recovery: With immediate action on power-line safety and habitat protection, the species can be pulled back from extinction.
Beyond the GIB: India's Other Threatened Bustards
Shared habitats, threats, and solutions mean wins for one species often help the others. Our grassland conservation approach benefits all of India's bustard species.
Distribution
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
Breeding Season
Monsoon months (July-September)
Last Strongholds
Assam (India), Cambodia, Nepal
Population Estimate
Less than 1,500 worldwide
Shared Threats, Shared Solutions
Grassland Policy
Protecting native grasslands benefits all ground-nesting species
Safer Power Grid
Bird-safe infrastructure protects all large flying species
Community Engagement
Local stewardship creates safe havens for multiple species