'Very Very Important Chick': Meet India’s most protected newly hatched bird. Tiny life guarded like a VIP by 50 officials

In a rare conservation milestone, a Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick hatched in the wild in Gujarat on 26 March, marking the first birth of the critically endangered species in the state in nearly a decade. The tiny chick, weighing just 150 grams, has already earned the title of “Very Very Important Chick (VVIC)” thanks to unprecedented protection measures.

Round-the-Clock Surveillance by Forest Officials

A team of 50 forest guards is now keeping a constant watch over the newborn GIB from specially erected watchtowers. Equipped with spotting scopes, binoculars, and tripods, the personnel operate in rotating shifts, relaying live updates to senior wildlife officers in Gandhinagar.

Officials have taken extraordinary steps to ensure the chick’s safety. Feral dogs and stray cattle are kept away, village roads near the sanctuary have been closed, and damaged fencing is being repaired urgently. Even artificial waterholes in the area have been left dry to prevent predators from approaching.

Expert Supervision from Wildlife Institute of India

The operation is being overseen by experts from the Wildlife Institute of India, who are guiding the forest staff on how to monitor the chick until it is strong enough to take its first flight. “The forest department is leaving nothing to chance to ensure the survival of this newborn,” said Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife).

Tracking Mother GIB for Safe Habitat

The mother bird is confined to a 3 sq km stretch of grassland chosen for its cover and rich food supply. She is fitted with a tracking tag, providing crucial data on her movements. Calm, steady activity indicates safety, while erratic movement triggers immediate response from the forest team.

Authorities have also sought the cooperation of local villagers, requesting temporary adjustments in cattle grazing and restricting access to certain areas. The involvement of the community ensures additional support for the delicate conservation effort.

Intensive Team Effort Ensures Survival

Dheeraj Mittal, Conservator of Forests, Kutch, said former staff familiar with the terrain have been called back to assist, and senior officers remain on site. “Almost the entire staff is involved in caring for this chick the way they would for a baby in their own home. Every team member is actively engaged in ensuring its safety,” he noted.

The successful hatching of this chick is not just a victory for Gujarat’s wildlife department but also a major milestone for the survival of one of the planet’s most critically endangered bird species.

Conservationists hope that such meticulous care and vigilance will help secure the future of the Great Indian Bustard in India.

Inputs from TOI