Ahmedabad Cover Story Bustard chick feared lost to predators in Kutch Setback questions conservation efforts to save endangered species in Guj
In a significant setback to conservation efforts, the lone Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick in Gujarat is feared to have fallen prey to wolves, with senior forest officials indicating that chances of its survival are now bleak. A top source in the state forest department said the chick, which had drawn unprecedented attention and protection measures, has not been sighted for several days. “Given the circumstances and the presence of predators in the area, it is highly likely the chick has been taken by wolves,” the source said.
The chick had hatched in Kutch after a carefully coordinated effort involving the transfer of a fertilised egg from Rajasthan and its placement in a wild nest. Its birth had raised hopes for reviving the critically endangered species in Gujarat. However, experts point to multiple factors that may have contributed to its vulnerability. Chief among them was the inadequate control of predators within and around the breeding site. While protective measures were put in place, gaps in securing the habitat may have allowed carnivores such as wolves to access the area.
Equally significant was the condition of the grassland. Insufficient regulation of grazing meant that grass height remained low, reducing natural cover for the chick.
In such exposed conditions, young bustards, which rely on camouflage to evade predators, become easy targets.
There are also concerns that essential preparatory steps, including the creation of fully secured enclosures and systematic removal of stray dogs and other predators, were not completed to the desired extent before the egg was introduced.
Further, delays in implementing long-pending measures such as undergrounding power lines in priority areas and the absence of a fully constituted monitoring committee have been cited as indicators of a broader lack of readiness.
The development has prompted calls within conservation circles for a more measured and scientifically grounded approach. Experts stress that future efforts must prioritise habitat readiness and predator-proofing before undertaking interventions such as egg translocation.
For now, the loss of the chick, if confirmed, underscores the fragile balance between human-led conservation efforts and the unforgiving realities of the wild.
Source: https://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/bustard-chick-feared-lost-to-predators-in-kutch/81912431.html