Why in the news?

  • The Union Environment Ministry’s expert appraisal committee (EAC) for the non-coal mining sector has given its nod to carry out an environment impact assessment (EIA) study for Birmania Rock Phosphate mine proposed in the potential Great Indian Bustard (GIB) area.

Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

  • Fact: State bird of Rajasthan
  • Ecological Habitat: Grasslands
  • Threats –
    • Electrocution with power transmission lines
    • Hunting
    • Habitat loss
  • Protection Status:
    • International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List: Critically Endangered
    • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix1
    • Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule 1
  • Major Protected Region: Desert National Park in Thar Desert