ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION
SPECIAL ISSUE 2012
NEWSLETTER
2
Editorial Board:
Dr. Dipankar Ghose
Mita Nangia Goswami
Moulika Arabhi
Dr. Parikshit Gautam
Editor:
Published By:
WWF-India
IND
WWF-India, 172-B, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi 110003
COVER IMAGE: © ASHOK CHAUDHRY
Fionna Braganza
Protecting
Bustards in India
Special Issue
FROM THE SG & CEO’S DESK
Dear friends,
The articles in this publication aim to bring attention to the alarming status of four species of bustards found in India - the Great
Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indica), Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) and the
Houbara (Chlamydotis undulata). The situation is critical for all, the first three of which are resident with the Houbara being a migratory species.
I have always marveled at the sight of these incredible birds, which are becoming increasingly difficult to spot. I was fortunate to sight an adult Lesser Florican on the Lucknow airport just after landing. This chance encounter highlights the plight of this species
CONTENTS
and the pressures on its habitat as a result of land conversion, one of the many causes for the decline in its numbers.
Introduction
02
THE GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD
06
Bustards, a Conservation Dateline
15
While bringing out this publication, we also reflect that it is unfortunate how many such meetings on endangered species have been
The Great Indian Bustard in Bellary District, Karnataka
20
conducted in the last 30 years with little or no action on the recommendations. It is especially telling in the case of the Great Indian
Community and Landscape Level Approach to Conservation
23
THE LESSER FLORICAN
28
I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us in bringing out this special issue by contributing articles, and also
Recommendations for Species Recovery
33
through their keen participation in the consultative workshop.
The Sinking Pulse of the
NEWSLETTER
2
Editorial Board:
Dr. Dipankar Ghose
Mita Nangia Goswami
Moulika Arabhi
Dr. Parikshit Gautam
Editor:
Published By:
WWF-India
IND
WWF-India, 172-B, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi 110003
COVER IMAGE: © ASHOK CHAUDHRY
Fionna Braganza
Protecting
Bustards in India
Special Issue
FROM THE SG & CEO’S DESK
Dear friends,
The articles in this publication aim to bring attention to the alarming status of four species of bustards found in India - the Great
Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indica), Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) and the
Houbara (Chlamydotis undulata). The situation is critical for all, the first three of which are resident with the Houbara being a migratory species.
I have always marveled at the sight of these incredible birds, which are becoming increasingly difficult to spot. I was fortunate to sight an adult Lesser Florican on the Lucknow airport just after landing. This chance encounter highlights the plight of this species
CONTENTS
and the pressures on its habitat as a result of land conversion, one of the many causes for the decline in its numbers.
Introduction
02
THE GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD
06
Bustards, a Conservation Dateline
15
While bringing out this publication, we also reflect that it is unfortunate how many such meetings on endangered species have been
The Great Indian Bustard in Bellary District, Karnataka
20
conducted in the last 30 years with little or no action on the recommendations. It is especially telling in the case of the Great Indian
Community and Landscape Level Approach to Conservation
23
THE LESSER FLORICAN
28
I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us in bringing out this special issue by contributing articles, and also
Recommendations for Species Recovery
33
through their keen participation in the consultative workshop.
The Sinking Pulse of the
References: species in India, a 'Consultative Workshop to Develop Guidelines for Species Recovery Programmes for Three Species of Bustards and Floricans in India ' was organized from November 1-2, 2011 by WWF- India in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment &