Great Indian Bustard Population Shows Growth in Rajasthan
The latest census of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) in Rajasthan shows a promising increase in their population due to conservation efforts.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- GIB population in Rajasthan increased to 160.
- Listed as 'Critically Endangered' by the IUCN.
- Conservation efforts include bird diverters on power lines.
- GIB is the state bird of Rajasthan.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 12–20 | Environment and Ecology is a separate section in UPSC Prelims. GS-III includes environment, climate change, and disaster management. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | National parks, Ramsar sites, pollution levels, and climate summits appear in SSC GK. |
| State PCS / PSC | High | 5–8 | State PCS papers test both central environment policy and state-specific conservation achievements. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- New Ramsar sites, UNESCO sites, Biosphere Reserves: name, state/country, reason for designation
- Climate summit outcomes: COP targets, India's commitments, new agreements
- Pollution data: India's air quality rank, river clean-up updates, plastic ban updates
- Endangered species: IUCN category, habitat, threats, conservation project
- Environmental laws and policies: recent amendments to Environment Protection Act, Forest Rights Act
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the IUCN status of the Great Indian Bustard?
- Vulnerable
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Near Threatened
Explanation: The Great Indian Bustard is classified as 'Critically Endangered' by the IUCN.
Q2. In which state is the majority of the Great Indian Bustard population found?
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
Explanation: The majority of the Great Indian Bustard population is found in Rajasthan, particularly in the Desert National Park.
How to Prepare Environment for Government Exams
Ramsar sites and World Heritage Site additions are announced annually. Compile the year's additions — they are direct exam questions.
For UPSC, understand the international treaty context: Paris Agreement, CBD, CITES, Ramsar — know what each treaty does.
Climate news = policy news. Always note the government response to any environmental event — that's what UPSC Mains tests.
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