Save the BUSTARD What can we learn from the UK Great Bustard reintroduction?
Saevus|December 2020 - February 2021
Dangerously close to extinction, the Great Indian Bustard’s survival depends upon close co-operation, grassland protection and habitat restoration, among other concerns.
DR NAVEEN PANDEY
Save the BUSTARD What can we learn from the UK Great Bustard reintroduction?

Common Name: Great Bustard

Scientific Name: Otis tarda tarda

IUCN status: Vulnerable

Population and distribution: Global population around 44,000 – 57,000, range is across Eurasia from Iberia and Morocco to China.

Behaviour: Male and female have separate groups (droves), slow gait, long and deeply fingered wings, generally silent, sometimes nasal bark when threatened, can’t perch (due to absence of opposable hind claw)

Feeding habit: Omnivorous -- young shoots, leaves, fruits, flowers. Insects and lizards are also consumed. Young birds are mainly carnivorous.

Habitat: Prefer lowland, river valleys, and undulating open country, adapted to agricultural landscapes

Breeding: Females are very selective, males elaborately display, males mature at four years and females at two years, polygamous, the largest sexual size dimorphism in body mass.

Nesting: Males have no role in nesting, female alone takes care of incubation and hatching, nests on the ground, usually two eggs.

“David, how do you ensure that the chicks do not imprint on humans while being raised in captivity?”. David, maintaining his momentum, replied, “A dehumanising suit with no obvious hands and legs helps to avoid human imprinting. Use of a puppet feeder also helps”.

We had been conversing for over three hours about how David Waters (Founder and Executive Officer, The Great Bustard Group) and his team have successfully reintroduced one of the heaviest flying birds, the Great Bustard, Otis tarda tarda (GB hereafter) to the UK.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SAEVUSView all
Staying ALIVE!
Saevus

Staying ALIVE!

The importance of getting to the root causes of conflict with wildlife, is essential. Its mitigation will guarantee the very survival of all species.

time-read
8 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Frames from the WILD
Saevus

Frames from the WILD

A few amazing shots from a horde of incredible ones!

time-read
3 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
WAKE UP!
Saevus

WAKE UP!

A frightening thought a world without wildlife, mornings without birdsong, and all that we take for granted! We must realise the dangers threatening the beauteous green world and its inhabitants around us!

time-read
4 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Dolphin DILEMMA!
Saevus

Dolphin DILEMMA!

A crucial article to highlight the significance, and plight of Our riverine friends.

time-read
3 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Gecko Quest!
Saevus

Gecko Quest!

The authors take us on the trail of a gecko from West Bengal, through the hills of the Bankura district.

time-read
2 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Endangered EXOTICA!
Saevus

Endangered EXOTICA!

The author takes us on an exotic ride into the forests of Malaysia, allowing us glimpses of the beauties of its wildlife!

time-read
3 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Mellifluous Magpie!
Saevus

Mellifluous Magpie!

Immerse yourselves in the world of the musical and glorious Magpie Robin! The authors help acquaint us with this beautiful bird.

time-read
10+ mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Think Different!
Saevus

Think Different!

The author brings to us the very real concern for the horses employed around pilgrimage sites in India.

time-read
4 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Take Heed!
Saevus

Take Heed!

The authors make a case for the conservation of the rare and lesser-known Sociable Lapwing.

time-read
6 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Close Encounters!
Saevus

Close Encounters!

The author introduces us to two amazing yet very different bird species, showing us the diversity of our ecosystems,

time-read
4 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24