Question : PROTECTION TO ENDANGERED SPECIES

(a) whether the grassland bird species like the ‘Great Indian Bustard’ are critically endangered in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps taken by the Government to protect the said bird species in the country?

MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) and (b) According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) has been listed as Critically Endangered. Further, the information contained in the IUCN Red List version 2010.1 indicates that 14 species of birds from India are critically endangered, which also include grassland species like the Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis).

(c) The important steps taken to protect bird species like the Great Indian Bustard include:

(i) Rare and endangered birds, including Great Indian Bustards, are included in Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 thereby according them highest degree of protection.

(ii) Stringent punishments have been provided for in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for violation of provisions of the Act.

(iii) Important habitats of birds, including endangered birds have been notified as Protected Areas under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for better conservation and protection of birds and their habitats.

(iv) Financial & technical assistance is provided to the State/Union Territory Governments for protection and management of Protected Areas.

(v) Great Indian Bustard has been identified as one of the species under the component ‘Recovery programme for saving critically endangered species and habitats’ of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, wherein financial assistance can be provided to the States.

(vi) India is signatory to all major international conventions relating to conservation and management of wildlife, including endangered species of birds.

(vii) Research and monitoring activities on birds are promoted by the Government through reputed research organizations. Wildlife Institute of India, Bombay Natural History Society and Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History are some of the research organizations undertaking research for conservation of birds