According to officials, the chick was last sighted around April 16. Since then, it has not been observed near its tagged mother, although continuous location signals from the mother bird have been received. The Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have launched an intensive search operation, but the chick remains untraceable.
Authorities suspect that the chick may have fallen prey to a wild predator, as the habitat is naturally inhabited by foxes, monitor lizards, and birds of prey. The chick had been receiving VVIP-level protection since birth, including deployment of more than 50 guards, 24-hour surveillance, watch towers, and restricted entry zones around the nesting area. Despite these stringent measures, its disappearance has raised serious concerns over the effectiveness of the conservation system.
Experts have noted that the Great Indian Bustard, a ground-nesting species, faces extremely high early mortality rates. While the “jump start” technique is designed to safeguard eggs and improve hatching success, it does not significantly enhance survival rates after birth. Scientific studies cited by officials indicate that only around 40 percent of eggs successfully hatch, and approximately 60 percent of chicks survive beyond the first two months. During this vulnerable stage, chicks are unable to fly, making them easy targets for predators.
Following the incident, a review of security and conservation protocols is underway. Authorities are also investigating whether protection measures around the nesting site were fully implemented or if any lapse occurred.
The situation is particularly alarming given the already critical status of the species in Gujarat. In 2018, the state’s only known male Great Indian Bustard disappeared, leaving only three females in the region. Recently, two female birds were fitted with tracking tags to improve monitoring and conservation efforts.
Despite this setback, the Forest Department has confirmed that conservation initiatives under the jump start technique will continue. Future measures will focus on habitat improvement, strengthening fencing, ensuring water availability, and reducing the impact of predator species.
The disappearance of the chick underscores the fragile survival prospects of one of India’s most endangered bird species, highlighting the urgent need for stronger, more effective conservation strategies.
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