Great Indian Bustard: experts hail breakthrough in bid to save native bird

In a landmark event that could significantly alter the fate of one of India's most critically endangered birds, the great Indian bustard, conservationists have heralded the successful birth of a chick through artificial insemination. This breakthrough not only represents a glimmer of hope for the species' survival but also paves the way for innovative conservation strategies. The great Indian bustard, known for its impressive stature and majestic appearance, has been on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, and collision with power lines. Once widespread across the grasslands of India and parts of Pakistan, the bird's population has plummeted drastically, with current estimates suggesting fewer than 150 individuals remaining in the wild. This dire situation has compelled conservationists and wildlife experts to take urgent actions to save the species from vanishing entirely. The successful artificial insemination that led to the birth of a healthy great Indian bustard chick marks a significant milestone in conservation efforts for this native bird. The procedure, which was meticulously planned and executed by a team of dedicated scientists and conservationists, involved collecting semen from a male bustard and artificially inseminating a female. The innovative approach is considered a last resort but necessary intervention, given the critical status of the great Indian bustard. This scientific achievement has been lauded by wildlife enthusiasts and experts worldwide, as it opens up new avenues for breeding programs aimed at augmenting the population of the great Indian bustard. By creating a viable method for reproducing the species in captivity, conservation