Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps). They are one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and are marked Critically Endangered by IUCN. Despite being the state bird of Rajasthan, India, GIB population is being ECLIPSED by human interference (habitat loss, hunting, disturbance and lack of protection in many lekking/nesting sites), as a result of which, they have disappeared from over 90% of its former range.
The power transmission lines that surround its habitat are being problematic for this species. Adult GIB don't seem to have any natural predators, only animal recorded to attack GIB is grey wolf (Canis lupus), on the other hand chicks may be preyed on by raptors (eagles), felines and canines (jackals, wolves, feral dogs) and eggs are sometimes stolen by reptiles (monitor lizard, snakes) and egg fanatic, Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus)
In 1994, GIBs were listed as endangered species by #IUCN. In 2011, the population decline was so severe that IUCN reclassified the species as ' #criticallyendangered '. Probably fewer than 250 mature individuals remain. The largest cluster of GIB (approx. 175 birds) occurs in Rajasthan, India.
Habitat loss and degradation appear to be the primary causes of decline followed by hunting and poaching. These activities, combined with the pressure of natural predators, have left the GIB in this critical state.
"In 2012 the Indian government launched #ProjectBustard, a national conservation program to protect the great Indian bustard, along with the Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis), the lesser florican (Sypheotides indicus), and their habitats from further declines." (Source: Britannica)
To know about their sexual dimorphism, look in the #KnowThemBetter highlight! Cheers!
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