Indian Bustard: One Of The Largest Flying Birds, In Danger Of Extinction
Bustards are very interesting birds, which stand out for their terrestrial habits and their large size. This group includes 26 different species, which make up the Otididae family and, unfortunately, they are seriously threatened. The Indian bustard is one of the most concern at the conservation level, as it appears to be close to extinction.
This animal is considered one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. It is only below the great bustard, whose populations are found mainly in the Iberian Peninsula, and the kori bustard, endemic to Africa. If you want to learn more about this bird, as vulnerable as it is unique, read on.
Characteristics of the Indian bustard
The Indian bustard ( Ardeotis nigriceps ) is a large bird, more slender and graceful in appearance than the larger members of its family. It stands out for its long legs, a body parallel to the ground, and a long, thin neck.
Males and females of this species reach a similar size, with a maximum height of around 1.2 meters and a weight of 15 kilos. These dimensions are enormous for a bird capable of flight.
In terms of color, the body of the Indian bustard is brown on the dorsal part, while the legs are bare and yellowish. The wings are brown, black and gray above and whitish below. This same pale color also appears on the ventral part of the body, on the neck and head.
Finally, the head is topped by a black crown, very characteristic of this species, which is larger in males. Males also have a black chest band and a gular pouch on their neck, which they can swell to attract females in the reproductive season.
Habitat and ecology of the Indian bustard
Previously, A. nigriceps was widely distributed in India and Pakistan. However, after intense population declines and local extinctions, this bird has been restricted to 10% of its previous range. Now it is only present in Rajasthan and Gujarat, with some very small populations elsewhere.
This bustard, like the rest of its family members, preferably lives in very flat open spaces, such as arid and semi-arid meadows or steppes, which may have shrubs. It can also be found in moderately agricultural areas, but it reproduces only in areas undisturbed by human activity.
Their diet is very varied and adapts to the foods that are more abundant according to the time, since they are omnivorous and opportunistic animals. Some of their common foods are seeds, grasses, various arthropods – such as beetles and grasshoppers – and small vertebrates.
During reproduction, males may group into leks where they display, inflate their necks, and sing to attract females. After reproduction, females usually lay a single egg in a simple nest, located in the open field. The females are the only ones who take care of the young.
State of conservation
These bustards are in a very precarious situation: they could disappear from the planet in the coming decades. Therefore, it is classified as a critically endangered species by the IUCN ( International Union for Conservation of Nature ), the highest level of alert.
Its population has suffered a very intense decline, since it has gone from 1,260 individuals in 1969 to less than 300 individuals today. In addition, this bird is locally extinct throughout much of its range. The small surviving populations are isolated and have low genetic diversity, making them more vulnerable.
Among the causes of its decline is rampant hunting, both for sport and for food. This practice began centuries ago and continues today. In addition, it has been aggravated by access to remote areas that modern vehicles allow.
Human development is another major threat to this species. In particular, the expansion of intensive agriculture, ranching and the popularization of irrigation have destroyed the arid steppes that bustards need to survive.
Other advances such as industrialization, mining, construction of roads and power plants – or installation of electrical networks – have also increased the mortality of these animals and have destroyed or replaced their habitable areas.
They also highlight the mismanagement of the steppes, which in some cases have tried to transform themselves into forests from which to obtain economic benefit, and the lack of support and even opposition from local communities to the conservation of the species.
As in many other cases, to conserve this very special bird it is essential to have the support of local people. Therefore, it is very important to establish education and awareness plans, always taking into account the economic impact that certain conservation actions could have on the inhabitants of the intervened regions.
