GIB spotted in Barmer after 20 years, sparks revival hope

Jaisalmer: A Great Indian Bustard (GIB), one of the country's most critically endangered species of bird was sighted in Barmer after nearly 20 years, raising hopes over the success of ongoing conservation efforts. The bird was spotted Friday in grassland at Range Kundal in the Girab area.Deputy conservator of Forest, Desert National Park, BM Gupta said pastureland development was carried out over 250 hectares in Kundal in 2025 with encouraging results. "Forest personnel captured a GIB roaming on camera in the same pastureland in the Kundal range," he said, adding that the last sightings in Barmer were reported in 2005 and 2007 in Kundal and Sundra. Gupta said the mating and breeding season of GIB begins in March and surveillance has been intensified in natural pastureland. "There is a possibility of more GIB sightings from this grassland," he said, noting that cameras have been installed at key water points and habitat areas, including gazlars.
The 2025 wild field census conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India recorded the GIB population in the wild at over 130. Officials said more than 70% of the global GIB population survives in Jaisalmer and termed the Barmer sighting a positive outcome of joint efforts by the state forest department and WII to protect the species.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !