India AI-Assisted Reproduction of Great Indian Bustard

An crucial milestone was reached in India's conservation efforts. At the Sudasari Great Indian Bustard Breeding Center in Rajasthan, artificial insemination (AI) produced a newborn great Indian bustard. India is now the first nation to effectively use AI to reproduce this severely endangered species. The occasion has sparked enthusiasm and optimism for the great Indian bustard's continued existence.

Conservation of the Great Indian Bustard with the help of AI

• The number of Great Indian bustard, a critically endangered bird that has suffered a dramatic population decline due to habitat loss, hunting and human interference.
• Conservationists are using AI to boost numbers and getting a chick to hatch was a major milestone.
• Artificial insemination, a process that utilises reproductive technology to achieve fertilisation without the natural mating process.
• Artificial mating of a male bustard Suda, his sperm collection, and then artificial insemination for another female bustard named Tony.
• One egg laid by Tony on 24th September 2024 to be observed scientists
• The chick's successful hatch provides renewed optimism for environmentalists.
• Currently, there are 173 great Indian bustards in Jaisalmer (128 in the wilderness and 45 at the breeding centers.
• They will keep using the AI for breeding; once the chick is matured, it will be given a name based on the AI method.