India’s wildlife revival: Great Indian Bustard hatching & conservation gains

08 Oct India’s wildlife revival: Great Indian Bustard hatching & conservation gains

✎ The National Red List Roadmap (2025–2030) is India’s strategic instrument to bridge data gaps in species assessments, enabling targeted conservation interventions for its megadiverse and biodiversity-rich ecosystems.

Subject Relevance — Where This Topic Fits

• GS Paper III — Environment and Biodiversity (Conservation, Environmental Impact Assessment, Biodiversity Hotspots)  |  GS Paper II — Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors
• Prelims: Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH), National Red List Roadmap, IUCN Red List, Biodiversity Hotspots, Megadiverse Countries, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Project Nilgiri Tahr, Sangai, Great Indian Bustard, Dugong, Hangul, Scimitar-horned Oryx, Saiga Antelope, National Red Data Books
• Essay: The interplay of scientific conservation and local community stewardship in preserving India’s biological heritage, India’s role as a megadiverse nation: balancing development and biodiversity conservation

Quick Revision: The National Red List Roadmap (2025–2030) is India’s strategic instrument to bridge data gaps in species assessments, enabling targeted conservation interventions for its megadiverse and biodiversity-rich ecosystems.

Why is this in the news?

Recent reports highlight the hatching of a Great Indian Bustard chick in Gujarat’s Kutch after a decade, alongside global success stories such as the recovery of the Iberian lynx and scimitar-horned oryx. This underscores the potential of targeted conservation interventions and the critical role of India’s National Red List Roadmap in identifying and prioritising species for recovery. The timing coincides with Wildlife Week (October 2–8), providing an opportune moment to evaluate the efficacy of India’s conservation frameworks and the challenges that persist.

Background

• India is one of 17 megadiverse countries, housing approximately 8% of the world’s flora and 7.5% of its fauna despite occupying only 2.4% of the global land area.
• The country contains parts of four of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, which are critical reservoirs of endemic biodiversity.
• The IUCN Red List assesses 7,516 Indian animal species, with 1,012 classified as threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered), though this covers only 7.2% of documented animal species, indicating significant data gaps.
• The Government of India’s Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme, launched under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme framework, supports recovery actions for 24 identified species and their habitats, mandating research, habitat improvement, protection, and community participation.
• India launched the National Red List Roadmap at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi (2025), aiming to produce National Red Data Books for plants and animals by 2030, thereby addressing gaps in species-specific conservation prioritisation.
• Global conservation success stories, such as the recovery of the Iberian lynx in Spain and Portugal (from 62 mature individuals in 2001 to 648 in 2022) and the reintroduction of the scimitar-horned oryx in Chad, demonstrate the efficacy of habitat restoration, breeding programmes, and reintroduction strategies.

India’s Wildlife Conservation Framework: Institutions, Instruments, and Interventions

• **Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) Scheme**: A Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), IDWH provides financial and technical support to states for the conservation of 24 identified species, including the Great Indian Bustard, Sangai, Dugong, and Hangul. The scheme operates through four components: research and monitoring, habitat improvement, protection, and community participation.
• **National Red List Roadmap (2025–2030)**: Developed in alignment with the IUCN Red List framework, this roadmap aims to produce comprehensive National Red Data Books for India’s flora and fauna by 2030. It seeks to fill critical data gaps by assessing a broader range of species and habitats, thereby enabling evidence-based conservation prioritisation.
• **Institutional Mechanisms**: Key institutions such as the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and state forest departments play pivotal roles in implementing conservation projects. Collaborations with international bodies like the IUCN and regional universities (e.g., Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University) enhance technical capacity and knowledge sharing.
• **Community Participation**: Conservation efforts in India increasingly emphasise the role of local communities, particularly indigenous groups, in habitat management and protection.
• **Biodiversity Hotspots and Megadiversity**: India’s inclusion in the list of megadiverse countries and its four biodiversity hotspots underscores the need for conservation strategies that balance developmental pressures with the preservation of endemic and threatened species.
• **Threats and Challenges**: Despite progress, India’s wildlife faces persistent threats, including habitat loss due to infrastructure development, poaching, climate change impacts, and invasive species. The limited coverage of species assessments (7.2% of documented fauna) highlights the need for expanded monitoring and research.

Key Features

Feature	Significance
Great Indian Bustard chick hatching in Kutch after a decade	Demonstrates successful breeding in a critically endangered species, highlighting the role of habitat protection and community stewardship.
Iberian lynx recovery in Spain and Portugal	Shows how habitat restoration, prey availability, and reintroduction programs can revive populations from near-extinction.
Scimitar-horned oryx return in Chad and saiga antelope recovery in Kazakhstan	Illustrates the global applicability of conservation strategies like reintroduction and anti-poaching measures.
National Red List Assessment roadmap (2025-2030)	Aims to produce comprehensive National Red Data Books for India’s flora and fauna, enabling targeted conservation efforts.
Project Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Nadu	Combines scientific research, habitat mapping, and multi-institutional collaboration to protect a state-specific endangered species.

Why it Matters

Ecological

• India’s biodiversity hotspots and megadiverse status underscore the global importance of its conservation efforts.
• Recovery of flagship species like the Great Indian Bustard and snow leopard can serve as indicators of ecosystem health.
• Habitat restoration and species-specific programs contribute to the resilience of entire ecosystems.

Scientific

• Long-term monitoring and research (e.g., radio-collaring, population surveys) provide data-driven insights for conservation strategies.
• National Red List Assessments help identify gaps in knowledge and prioritize species for intervention.
• Collaboration with international bodies (IUCN, WII) enhances technical expertise and resource sharing.

Policy and Governance

• The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme institutionalizes species-specific recovery plans across states.
• Mandates for research, habitat improvement, and community participation ensure multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Alignment with global biodiversity frameworks (e.g., IUCN Red List) strengthens India’s conservation commitments.

Socio-economic

• Community participation in conservation (e.g., local stewards, ecotourism) can generate livelihood opportunities.
• Successful species recovery enhances India’s global reputation in biodiversity conservation.
• Preservation of ecosystems like grasslands and wetlands supports climate regulation and water security.

Challenges

1. Habitat Fragmentation and Degradation

• Expansion of agriculture, infrastructure, and mining encroaches upon critical habitats of endangered species.
• Grasslands and wetlands face degradation due to unsustainable land-use practices.
• Climate change exacerbates habitat loss by altering ecological zones and precipitation patterns.

UPSC Link: GS3: Environmental degradation

2. Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade

• Persistent threats from poaching for body parts (e.g., horns, skins) undermine conservation gains.
• Weak enforcement of wildlife protection laws (e.g., Wildlife Protection Act, 1972) enables illegal activities.
• Transnational wildlife trafficking networks complicate domestic enforcement efforts.

UPSC Link: GS3: Wildlife crime

3. Limited Scientific Data and Monitoring

• Only 7.2% of India’s documented animal species have been assessed for the IUCN Red List, leaving critical gaps.
• Inadequate funding and infrastructure for long-term ecological research hinder evidence-based policy.
• Species-specific programs (e.g., for the Great Indian Bustard) require sustained scientific support.

UPSC Link: GS3: Science and technology

4. Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Expanding human settlements near wildlife habitats increase conflicts (e.g., crop raiding, livestock predation).
• Lack of mitigation strategies (e.g., compensation mechanisms, barriers) exacerbates tensions.
• Climate-induced resource scarcity intensifies competition between humans and wildlife.

UPSC Link: GS3: Human-animal conflict

5. Policy Implementation Gaps

• Inconsistent enforcement of conservation schemes across states due to varying priorities and resources.
• Delays in updating legal frameworks (e.g., National Red List roadmap) to address emerging threats.
• Insufficient integration of conservation goals with other sectors (e.g., agriculture, urban planning).

UPSC Link: GS2: Governance

Challenges — UPSC Perspective

Issue	Concern
Habitat loss	Encroachment by agriculture, infrastructure, and mining reduces critical habitats for endangered species.
Poaching and illegal trade	Persistent threats from wildlife trafficking undermine conservation efforts and species recovery.
Data gaps	Incomplete species assessments limit the ability to prioritize conservation actions effectively.
Human-wildlife conflict	Expanding human settlements near wildlife habitats lead to conflicts and retaliatory killings.
Policy fragmentation	Inconsistent enforcement and integration of conservation schemes across states hinder progress.

Government Initiatives — Must-Memorise for Prelims

• Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH)
• National Red List Roadmap (2025-2030)

Way Forward

• Strengthen enforcement of wildlife protection laws (e.g., Wildlife Protection Act, 1972) to combat poaching and illegal trade.
• Expand and sustain funding for long-term ecological research and monitoring programs.
• Integrate conservation goals with land-use planning and climate adaptation strategies.
• Enhance community participation through awareness programs, livelihood alternatives, and ecotourism initiatives.
• Develop and implement standardized protocols for habitat restoration and species reintroduction.
• Collaborate with international bodies (e.g., IUCN, WII) to leverage global expertise and resources.
• Update the National Red List Assessment to cover a higher percentage of India’s documented species.
• Establish robust compensation mechanisms and conflict mitigation strategies for human-wildlife interactions.

UPSC Value Addition

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding India’s wildlife conservation initiatives:
1. The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme supports recovery action for 24 identified species and their habitats.
2. India’s National Red List Assessment aims to produce National Red Data Books for plants and animals by 2030.
3. The Great Indian Bustard is listed as a critically endangered species under the IUCN Red List.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer: All three — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is also correct as the Great Indian Bustard is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Therefore, all three statements are correct.

Q2. Assertion (A): India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries globally.
Reason (R): India supports nearly 8% of the world’s flora and 7.5% of its fauna despite occupying only 2.4% of the world’s land area.

Options:
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: ? — Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true. India is indeed one of the 17 megadiverse countries, and the data provided in Reason (R) correctly explains this status.

Q3. Match the following pairs of conservation projects with their respective States:

Column I (Project) Column II (State)
A. Project Nilgiri Tahr 1. Rajasthan
B. Great Indian Bustard Recovery 2. Tamil Nadu
C. Hangul Conservation 3. Manipur
D. Sangai Conservation 4. Jammu & Kashmir

Options:
A. A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
B. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C. A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
D. A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

Answer: ? — A-2 (Project Nilgiri Tahr is in Tamil Nadu), B-1 (Great Indian Bustard Recovery is in Rajasthan), C-4 (Hangul Conservation is in Jammu & Kashmir), D-3 (Sangai Conservation is in Manipur).

Mains Practice Question

✍ Wildlife conservation in India has witnessed significant successes in recent years, yet sustaining these gains remains a formidable challenge. Critically examine the institutional, scientific, and community-based frameworks that underpin India’s wildlife conservation strategy, with particular reference to the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme and the National Red List Assessment. Also, assess the role of State-level projects in ensuring long-term viability of endangered species. (15 Marks)

Approach: MODEL-ANSWER SKELETON:

1. **Introduction (2 Marks)**
– Briefly define wildlife conservation in the Indian context, highlighting India’s status as a megadiverse country and its obligations under international frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
– Mention the significance of Wildlife Week and the recent successes in species recovery (e.g., Great Indian Bustard chick hatching in Gujarat).

2. **Institutional Frameworks (3 Marks)**
– **Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) Scheme**: Explain its objectives, funding mechanism, and coverage of 24 identified species and habitats. Cite the mandate for States to undertake research, habitat improvement, protection, and community participation.
– **National Red List Assessment**: Discuss its role in identifying threatened species (Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered) and directing conservation priorities. Highlight the goal to produce National Red Data Books by 2030.
– **Collaborative Institutions**: Mention the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and State-level agencies (e.g., Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University).

3. **Scientific and Community-Based Approaches (4 Marks)**
– **Scientific Interventions**: Discuss population surveys, radio-collaring, habitat assessment, and mapping (e.g., Project Nilgiri Tahr).
– **Community Participation**: Highlight the role of local communities in conservation (e.g., stewardship in snow leopard habitats, seagrass meadow conservation for dugongs).
– **Challenges**: Address limitations such as incomplete species assessments (only 7.2% of documented animal species assessed), funding gaps, and human-wildlife conflict.

4. **State-Level Projects and Long-Term Viability (3 Marks)**
– **Examples of State Projects**:
– Tamil Nadu: Project Nilgiri Tahr (State animal conservation).
– Rajasthan: Great Indian Bustard Recovery Programme.
– Manipur: Sangai Conservation.
– Jammu & Kashmir: Hangul Conservation.
– **Sustainability Measures**: Discuss habitat restoration, prey base management, and policy integration (e.g., National Wildlife Action Plan 2017-2031).

5. **Critical Assessment and Way Forward (3 Marks)**
– **Strengths**: Highlight India’s progress in species recovery, institutional frameworks, and community engagement.
– **Weaknesses**: Point out gaps in species assessments, funding, and enforcement of wildlife laws (e.g., Wildlife Protection Act, 1972).
– **Recommendations**: Suggest strengthening the National Red List Assessment, enhancing inter-State coordination, and scaling up community-based conservation models.

6. **Conclusion (2 Marks)**
– Summarise the importance of a multi-pronged approach (institutional, scientific, community) for sustainable wildlife conservation.
– Emphasise the need for sustained political will, adequate funding, and public awareness to ensure long-term viability of endangered species.

Source: The Hindu

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