Rare Great Indian Bustard Chick Survives Critical 40 Days in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: In a significant breakthrough for wildlife conservation, Gujarat has recorded a major success in its efforts to save the Great Indian Bustard (Ghorad)—one of the world’s most endangered bird species. A chick born under the state’s second ‘Jump Start’ conservation project at Naliya in Kutch has successfully completed its first 40 days, the most fragile phase of its life.

The chick hatched on May 21, 2026, and conservationists say surviving the first 40 days greatly improves its chances of reaching adulthood, offering fresh hope for the revival of the critically endangered species.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia described the achievement as a proud moment for Gujarat and the country.

“This is a historic success for wildlife conservation. The first 40 days of a Great Indian Bustard chick are extremely delicate, and crossing this milestone gives us renewed hope for securing the future of this magnificent bird,” he said.

The minister credited the achievement to the dedication of scientists, wildlife experts and Forest Department officials working under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

The Jump Start programme involves scientifically incubating eggs collected from the wild and raising the chicks under constant expert supervision through a specialised foster-mothering approach. The chick at Naliya is being monitored round the clock by a team of veterinarians, scientists and forest officials.

“Protecting endangered species is vital for preserving ecological balance and India’s rich biodiversity. This success strengthens Gujarat’s commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage for future generations,” Modhwadia added.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav also celebrated the achievement by sharing photographs and videos of the chick on social media.

The milestone marks another important step in Gujarat’s ongoing efforts to restore the population of the iconic Great Indian Bustard, whose numbers in the wild have declined drastically over the past few decades.