The Unique Habitat of Great Indian Bustard (GIB) in Kachchh : Protection and Management

Abstract

The Kachchh Bustard Sanctuary (KBS) is the only habitat left in Gujarat that is sustaining all the three important bustards of the region especially the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) with a population of 40⁺ birds. The unique ecosystem of grasslands with shrubs, insects, rap tors and reptiles forms the sufficient food and prey base for these endangered species. The only problem is the biotic interference by over-grazing and efforts to increase the area for cash crops in zone of influence. The management has to take steps for enlarging the area under the Sanctuary and controlling the biotic interference through all the tools of wildlife management.