Business Standard

'Rare' Great Indian Bustard egg hatched successfully

Image

Press Trust of India Jaisalmer (Raj)
The wildlife authorities are delighted with the successful hatching of an egg of "critically endangered" bird Great Indian Bustard in the Desert National Park near here.

The egg was spotted in the park's satellite area by a wildlife patrolling team in mid-June and it had been kept under close watch since then. The hatching took place in the last week of June, an official said today.

The Great Indian Bustard, popularly known as Godawan, is Rajasthan's state bird, and the government started "Project Godawan' for its conservation last year.

"Mostly Godawan eggs fall prey to predators before hatching... The successful hatching is a good news for us. The hatchling would be able to fly in two to three weeks' time," Narendra Singh, Assistant Conservator of Forest of the Desert National Park, said.
 

Singh said the hatchling was being monitored by forest officials in Ramdevra range.

The Great Indian Bustard was included in the list of "critically endangered" species after its number fell drastically due to poaching and erosion of its habitat among other reasons.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Jul 11 2014 | 5:27 PM IST

Explore News