A treacherous combination of habitat degradation, illegal hunting and predation has pushed the great Indian settled, one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, on the verge of extinction in Pakistan and India, warm experts in wildlife and conservation groups warn.
With an alarmingly small global population that numbers between 200 and 250 individuals, the AVE has been classified as “critical in danger” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
In Pakistan, the situation is particularly serious, with the estimated population of the long-legged bird, endemic to the subcontinent, hovering between 25 and 35 years, according to the World Wildlife Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan).
The western states of Gujarat and Rajastan of India serve as primary habitats for the species, locally known as ‘Gurano’. In Pakistan, the bustard is deep in the arid extension of the Cholistan desert or occasionally it is seen in the plains covered with Thar desert grass.
“Agricultural and infrastructural expansion has severely damaged the natural habitats of the Great Business India, particularly in India, which leads to a dramatic decrease in its population in recent decades,” said Jamshed Iqbal Chaudhry, senior manager of research and conservation in WWF-Pakistan.
Talking with AnadoluChaudhry highlighted additional threats, such as the predation of wild dogs and frequent electrocution of aerial power lines, as important factors that contribute to the diminishing numbers of the species.
“The agricultural expansion in India has reached the border areas near Pakistan, which used to be the main habitat for the great Indian time,” he explained.
“The degradation of the habitat there is forcing these birds to migrate to Pakistan, where desert grasslands are relatively intact, but the relentless illegal hunting on the Pakistani side avoids any recovery of its population.”
Every year, he said, “four or five great Indian hosts are victims of influential hunters who kill birds for their flesh.”
Myths and influence
Ali Usman Bukhari, an official of the Department of Wildlife and Punjab parks, said the local erroneous concepts have further in danger to the bird.
“Some locals mistakenly believe that the flesh of the great Indian renewal has Afrodisiac properties similar to those of Houbara Warstard, a migratory bird,” he explained.
Physically distinctive due to its horizontal posture and its long bare legs, the great Indian fault weighs between 4 and 5 kilograms, significantly heavier than Warbara Houbara.
Historically, Houbara Buardardo has been a popular hunting target among Arab royalty, which value their flesh for their supposed medicinal qualities. As winter descends on Siberia, migratory birds, including Houbara, go to the lakes and beds of the Pakistan rivers, seeking refuge in hard conditions.
“Continuous disturbances, mainly due to illegal hunting, force the great Indian advance towards India, despite habitat degradation there,” Bukhari said.
“The bird prefers relative security in India, since local communities, especially in Rajasthan, refrain from hunting due to religious beliefs.”
Throughout the Indian side of the border near Pakistan, the majority of residents in Rajasthan belong to the Bishnoi community, recognized for their reverence religiously motivated by animals and birds, who refuse to damage or kill.
“The Gran Search India should prosper ideally on the Pakistani side of the border, given the best habitat conditions,” Bukhari said. “But if he is chased relentlessly persecuted and hunted by influential people who conduct Jeeps, why would the bird choose to stay here?”
Conservation efforts and challenges
The Punjab Wildlife Department recently established the “Great Smakhhouse of Wildlife of the Indian Buardería” along the border areas near the Cholistan desert.
“Since the establishment of this sanctuary, poaching incidents have decreased markedly in the last two years,” Bukhari said. “Now we are beginning to see more frequent sightings of the bird within the protected limits.”
Raby Nawaz, an expert in wildlife based in Islamabad, emphasized the urgent need for a “species conservation action plan” integral to stop the Tobogán del AVE towards extinction.
Requesting more designated sanctuaries, he suggested to involve local communities in conservation efforts, citing the successful recovery history of the National Animal of Pakistan, Markhor, a great wild goat whose population has recovered from the extinction of extinction to an current estimate of between 3,500 and 5,000.
“The real culprits behind the illegal hunt for the Great Bus Anadolu. “By actively involving local communities, which have a personal interest in protecting their environment, the government can stop illegal hunting practices more effectively.”
Echoing Nawaz’s feeling, WWF-Pakistan Chaudhry urged the “strict application” of laws that prohibit the hunt for the great rugar of India to guarantee population growth.
“The key is not only to have paper conservation laws, but effectively implement them,” said Chaudhry. “The strictest application and better consciousness can ensure that these birds have the opportunity to recover and prosper once again.”
