India begins rewilding Great Indian Bustard: Two captive-bred males released in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer: India on Sunday entered a new phase in saving the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) with the first release of captive-bred birds into the wild.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released two male GIBs at Sam in Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, on October 4, during Wildlife Week 2026. Rajasthan Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma was also present.

“In a milestone move, released two male Great Indian Bustards in Sam, Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, today morning. This landmark success has been made possible by the nearly decade-long unwavering dedication of our scientists,” Yadav posted on X.

The critically endangered GIB, locally called Godawan, has only about 110-150 birds left in the wild. The birds were raised under Project GIB, a joint programme of the Environment Ministry, Rajasthan Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India (WII).