Prelims Perspective: What needs to be learned?

  • What is it?
  • Distribution and Habitat
  • Threats and Conservation Status
  • Ecological Significance
  • Protected Region

Mains Perspective: Notes need to be prepared

What needs to be known?

  • What is it?: The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), locally known as Godawan, is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and is the state bird of Rajasthan
  • Distribution and Habitat
    • Distribution: Its population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Small populations occur in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Habitat: Found in Grasslands
  • Threats and Conservation Status
    • Threats: Electrocution with power transmission lines, Hunting and Habitat loss
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Staus: Critically Endangered
      • CITES: Appendix1
      • Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
      • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule 1
  • Ecological Significance: It is considered a “flagship” species, meaning its presence indicates the health of the grassland ecosystem it inhabits.
  • Protected Region
    • Desert National Park 
      • Location: Thar Desert
      • Features: Park has a fragile desert ecosystem with sand dunes, rocky outcrops, salt lakes, intermittent streams, and fixed dunes.
      • Note: One of the largest national parks in India.
      • Recognition: It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 and a National Park in 1992.

Source: The Indian Express

 

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