Rare bustard sighted at Churu sanctuary

JAIPUR: A pair of Great Indian Bustard was sighted at the Tal Chappar sanctuary in Churu district earlier this month. This is the first time in recent history the endangered bird has been sighted in this sanctuary, otherwise known for its blackbucks.

���It���s the first time in 30 years that a Great Indian Bustard pair has been witnessed at the Tal Chappar sanctuary. While the female bird was spotted on August 1, the male was seen the next day. Even during the first bustard conference in 1981, no one had reported such an event,������ a forest department official said.

The area where the bird was spotted has now been closed to tourists. ���We have enclosed the area and are
keeping a watch on the birds. They are still there. These birds may have migrated to the sanctuary from Bikaner,������ the official added.

Although all the four species of bustards have been accorded the highest degree of protection by placing them in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, their number continues to decline at an alarming rate.