What is the issue ?
- A first of its kind breeding centre is being set up in Baran district of Rajasthan.
- A breeding technique developed in Abu Dhabi is being used for this Great Indian Bustard breeding programme.
About the Great Indian Bustard :
- It is popularly known as 'Godawan' and is found largely in India's desert zone.
- GIB numbers fell from 1260 in 1969 to 300 in 2008, there is a surviving population of less than 150 in India (120 being in Rajasthan).
- Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are the other states where GIB are present.
- Classified as 'Critically Endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
- Protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act 1972