Introduction
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, also known as the Jawaharlal Nehru Bustard Sanctuary, is a remarkable wildlife sanctuary located in Solapur, Maharashtra. Established in 1979, this sanctuary spans a vast area of 8496.44 square kilometers and serves as a critical habitat for the endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps). Maharashtra is one of the few states in India where this majestic bird can still be spotted.Nestled in the semi-arid Deccan thorn forest region, this sanctuary protects one of India's rarest bird species. Its conservation journey began with the efforts of Shri B.S. Kulkarni in 1972, who extensively wrote about the sanctuary and raised awareness about its importance
(Do you know, that the forest department has proposed to uproot more than 5,244 trees in Mardi, Akolekati, and Karamba plots. This will help restore proper housing for the bust.)
Habitat and Geography
Key Features of the Habitat:
Grasslands and Scrublands: Open landscapes with scattered grass patches and shrubs.Flora and Fauna: Sparse vegetation including trees like Neem, Glyricidia, and Lantana, which have been systematically managed to create suitable habitats for bustards and other species.
The Great Indian Bustard: An Endangered Marvel:
The Great Indian Bustard is a massive bird, when the bird stands it goes about one meter in height, with long legs and a horizontal body, we can compare it to an ostrich. It is one of the largest flying birds in the world, but sadly, its population is critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.Conservation Status:
Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act of India (1972).According to the census of 2009, there are only 21 bustards recorded in the sanctuary among them 13 were females and 8 were males.
Did You Know?
On August 15, 2009, an observer recorded a male Great Indian Bustard for 45 minutes at the newly opened Nannaj 10 area, a testament to ongoing conservation efforts.Conservation Efforts:
To restore the bustard's habitat, significant steps have been taken:Tree Uprooting: Over 15,240 trees were uprooted across 25 hectares in the Nannaj 10 and Karamba areas to create open grasslands suitable for the birds.
Grassland Restoration: The removal of invasive species like Lantana promotes the growth of native vegetation.
Did You Know?
The forest department proposed removing over 5,244 trees in areas like Mardi, Akolekati, and Karamba to expand bustard-friendly habitats.Other Bird Species in the Sanctuary
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is a haven for several grassland bird species. Commonly spotted birds include:- Indian Bush Lark
- Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark
- Rufous-tailed Lark
- Yellow-wattled Lapwing
- Red-necked Falcon
- White-eyed Buzzard
- Pied Bush Chat
- Indian Silverbill
Visitor Information
Nannaj Grasslands: Known for frequent bustard sightings.
Blackbuck Safaris: Spot herds of the endangered blackbuck, a deer species protected under Indian law.
Best Time to Visit:
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is best to visit during winter when temperatures are cooler, and wildlife is more active.Conclusion
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope for the conservation of India's endangered grassland ecosystems and species. From the rare Great Indian Bustard to the elegant blackbuck, this sanctuary showcases the delicate balance of life in arid regions.Plan your visit to the sanctuary to witness its unique biodiversity and support ongoing conservation efforts. Let’s work together to ensure the survival of the majestic Great Indian Bustard for generations to come.
Here to know more Wildlife Sanctuaries in Maharashtra by Being Zoologist