Latest news with #GreatIndianBustard
The Print
25-05-2025
- General
- The Print
Known for efforts to save Great Indian Bustard, conservationist's death shocks wildlife lovers in Jaisalmer
Radheshyam, conservationists Shyam Bishnoi and Kanwar Raj Bhati, and Surendra Chaudhary, a forest guard, were killed when their camper vehicle collided with a truck in the Lathi area of Jaisalmer on Friday night. Radheshyam (28) was an animal rescuer from Dholia village in Pokhran, who was known for his efforts to save the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), the state bird of Rajasthan, considered India's most critically-endangered bird species. Jaipur, May 25 (PTI) The untimely deaths of three wildlife activists, including prominent conservationist Radheshyam Pemani Bishnoi, and a forest guard in a road accident in Jaisalmer have shocked wildlife lovers and locals. With the support of villagers, Radheyshyam created more than 100 watering holes for birds across Pokhran, a desert area, which were filled regularly using tankers. 'Radheshyam made wildlife conservation his life's mission. He worked on the ground. He started a great mission to provide water to birds and animals inhabiting this desert area. I urge the youth of the region to come forward and carry forward his mission,' Shivraj Bishnoi from the Akhil Bhartiya Jeev Raksha Bishnoi Sabha said. He said the Sabha will erect a memorial in memory of the four wildlife lovers who lost their lives in the accident. Shivraj also appealed to the state government to give job to one family member of each of the deceased. On Friday night, Radheshyam, Shyam Bishnoi, Bhati and Chaudhary were going to check on a tip-off about poaching activity in the Lathi area. But before they could reach the spot, their camper vehicle collided with a truck, leaving all four dead, police said. Radheshyam was known for raising the plight of the Great Indian Bustard in the desert region. He also rescued and rehabilitated many birds and animals. 'A dedicated conservationist, Radheyshyam was always ready to rescue animals and birds. The government should help the deceased's families in every possible manner,' wildlife activist Mal Singh said. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, state Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra and several other prominent leaders have condoled the loss of lives in the accident. PTI SDA ARI ARI This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Wildlife activist Radheshyam Pemani among four killed in road accident in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer
Four people, including a wildlife activist and a forest department personnel, were killed after the camper vehicle they were travelling in collided with a truck in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district, PTI news agency reported on Saturday, citing officials. The deceased have been identified as wildlife activist Radheshyam Pemani, Shyam Vishnoi, Kanvraj Singh and forest guard Surendra Chaudhary, police said. Radheshyam Pemani was known for his efforts to protect the Great Indian Bustard. According to the police, the accident took place under the Lathi Police Station area on Friday night when the victims were going to check on a tip-off about deer hunting by poachers. Police officials said that the camper vehicle was crushed due to the impact of the collision, trapping all four occupants. They had to be taken out using a crane, according to PTI. Tributes poured from political leaders in Rajasthan over the accident and the death of the wildlife activist and forest department personnel. Rajasthan chief minister Bhajanlal Sharma, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Govind Singh Dotasra condoled the deaths. "It is extremely painful to hear about the deaths of Radheshyam Pemani, Shyam Vishnoi, Kanvraj Singh and forest department employee Surendra Choudhary, who were dedicated to the conservation of environment and wildlife, in a horrific road accident in Jaisalmer," Sharma said. Ashok Gehlot also shared Pemani's photo on X and expressed grief over his death. He added that said that his dedication to nature and wildlife will remain unforgettable. 'Received the sad news about the untimely demise of wildlife enthusiast Mr Radheshyam Pemani in a road accident while he was on his way for a wildlife rescue in the Lathi region of Jaisalmer,' Gehlotwrote. 'His dedication to nature and wildlife will always be remembered.' Dotasra also shared Pemani's photo on X and said the news of the death of the wildlife lover and his companions is sad. "Pemani ji has made a significant contribution in protecting wildlife and conserving the environment. May God give peace to the soul of the deceased and strength to the family to bear this loss," he wrote.
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Indian Express
Known for efforts to save Great Indian Bustard, wildlife conservationist dead in Jaisalmer accident
Radheshyam Pemani Bishnoi, a wildlife conservationist and animal rescuer from Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district, died in a road accident Friday along with three others. Bishnoi, about 28 — celebrated for his efforts to protect the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) — had reportedly been tipped off about deer poaching when he and three others met with an accident. Rajendra Kumar, Station House Officer of Jaisalmer's Lathi police station, said that the accident took place around 9:30 pm Friday when the camper Bishnoi and three others were in had a head-on collision with a truck on National Highway 11. The SHO said that how the accident took place is part of the investigation. Apart from Radheshyam, Forest Guard Surendra Choudhary, ex-armyman Shyamlal Bishnoi who was also a conservationist, and one Kanwaraj Singh who runs a gaushala, also died in the accident, the SHO said. He, however, added that he has no information on alleged poachers or whether Bishnoi and others had been tipped off. Born in the village of Dholiya, Bishnoi was deeply influenced by the Bishnoi community's centuries-old tradition of environmental stewardship. His journey into wildlife conservation began at a young age when he started rescuing injured animals. However, as some of them died despite his best efforts, he trained as a veterinary assistant at the Jodhpur Rescue Centre. Bishnoi's conservation efforts were multifaceted. He was instrumental in patrolling GIB habitats, monitoring threats like high-tension power lines and railway tracks, and coordinating a network of local volunteers under the guidance of the Ecology, Rural Development and Sustainability (ERDS) Foundation. His advocacy extended to campaigning for underground power lines to prevent bird collisions, a leading cause of GIB mortality. In response to the Thar desert's harsh conditions, Bishnoi also initiated the construction of over 100 water reservoirs to provide drinking water for wildlife. These reservoirs, filled using water tankers, helped reduce wildlife mortality due to dehydration. He was also known to be an avid photographer, documenting the region's biodiversity through his lens while highlighting and spreading awareness on the threats and the critical need for conservation efforts. Bishnoi also personally rescued and rehabilitated numerous animals and birds, including Himalayan Griffon vultures and Cinereous vultures. He also played a pivotal role in anti-poaching initiatives, providing information that led to the arrest of poaching gangs, apart from being instrumental in registration of several FIRs. His efforts also earned him national recognition, including Sanctuary Nature Foundation's Sanctuary Wildlife Service Award in 2021 under the Young Naturalist category. Sumit Dookia, a wildlife biologist and mentor to Bishnoi, expressed profound grief over the loss. 'Last night, we lost our flag bearer of the GIB Community Conservation Program in a fatal road accident. Even up to the last breath, he was with an anti-poaching patrolling team. Radhe Bishnoi, you gone too early my boy. A true martyr,' he said. Condolences poured in from across and beyond the state too, with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma saying: 'It is extremely painful to hear about the death of Jaisalmer's Radheshyam Pemani, Shyamlal Bishnoi, Kanwar Singh and forest department employee Surendra Choudhary, who were dedicated to the conservation of environment and wildlife, in a horrific road accident in the Lathi area of Jaisalmer'. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said: 'His dedication to nature and wildlife will remain unforgettable. May God give him peace. Om Shanti'.
NDTV
18-05-2025
- NDTV
10 Notable State Birds Of India And Where To Spot Them
India isn't just about temples and thalis — it's also packed with some truly striking birds. Nearly every state has its own official feathered mascot, and they're anything but ordinary. Think bold colours, rare sightings, and personalities to match. From regal creatures gliding through remote forests to chirpy regulars outside your window, these birds are more than symbols — they reflect the soul of their regions. Whether you're deep in the desert or chilling in a city park, there's always a chance to spot one of these local legends. Here are some of India's most fascinating state birds — and where to find them. 1. Indian Roller — Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha Where: Bannerghatta National Park (Karnataka), Kolleru Lake (Andhra-Telangana border) Let's start with the crowd-pleaser. The Indian Roller is that bright turquoise bird you've probably seen doing aerial acrobatics near open fields and power lines. Locals often call it neelkanth, linking it to Lord Shiva, and it's believed to bring good luck when spotted. It's bold, beautiful, and totally photogenic — basically the influencer of Indian birds. 2. Great Indian Bustard — Rajasthan Where: Desert National Park (Jaisalmer) This bird is so rare it's practically a unicorn in feathers. One of the heaviest flying birds in the world, the Great Indian Bustard is critically endangered, with fewer than 200 left in the wild. Its tall frame and slow, deliberate gait make it look like it's constantly judging your life choices. Spotting one in the wild is like hitting the jackpot on a desert safari. 3. Great Hornbill — Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh Where: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh) The Great Hornbill doesn't just arrive — it makes an entrance. With its massive yellow-and-black casque and banana-shaped bill, it looks like a creature dreamed up by Dr. Seuss. It's considered a symbol of tribal identity in the Northeast and a forest guardian in Kerala. Loud, flashy, and monogamous for life — it's basically nature's rockstar power couple. 4. White-throated Kingfisher — West Bengal Where: Sunderbans You don't need to trek into the wild to spot this one. The White-throated Kingfisher is a city bird with a taste for fish, frogs and insects. Its electric-blue wings and bright red beak make it hard to miss. In Kolkata, it's not unusual to see one perched coolly on a phone wire as traffic rumbles below. 5. House Sparrow — Delhi Where: Gardens, balconies, ledges — basically everywhere humans go Once the soundtrack of every Indian household, the humble House Sparrow has been struggling with urbanisation and vanishing green spaces. But Delhi made it its official state bird in 2012 as a symbolic nudge to protect it. And it's working — sparrows are slowly making a comeback. If you hear chirping near your breakfast table, you know who's visiting. 6. Black-necked Crane — Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh Where: Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh This bird is sacred in Tibetan Buddhism. The Black-necked Crane migrates to Ladakh each year to breed, and its elegant dance rituals are a sight to behold. With snow-capped peaks in the background and prayer flags fluttering nearby, it's hard not to feel a little emotional watching them glide through the Himalayan sky. 7. Hill Myna — Chhattisgarh Where: Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Bastar forests Known for its uncanny ability to mimic human speech (sometimes better than your average WhatsApp voice note), the Hill Myna is a vocal wonder. Chhattisgarh considers it a local treasure, and it thrives in its dense, hilly forests. Its glossy black feathers, bright orange eye-patch and chatty nature make it a crowd favourite. 8. Sarus Crane — Uttar Pradesh Where: Dudhwa National Park, Etawah Safari Park At over five feet tall, the Sarus Crane is the tallest flying bird in the world. They mate for life and are often seen in pairs, elegantly wading through wetlands. In UP, they're more than just avian eye-candy — they're symbols of love and fidelity. Locals say if one partner dies, the other may stop eating. Now that's commitment. 9. Indian Peafowl — Tamil Nadu Where: Guindy National Park, Tamil Nadu countryside Yes, the peacock is everyone's show-off cousin in the bird world, but it's earned the hype. Those iridescent feathers, that dramatic dance during the monsoon, the all-eyes-on-me vibe — it's the full Bollywood package. As Tamil Nadu's state bird (and India's national bird), it pops up in both temple art and village fields. 10. Blyth's Tragopan — Nagaland Where: Khonoma and Dzukou Valley Shy, elusive, and stunningly beautiful, this high-altitude pheasant wears scarlet, orange and grey with the confidence of a Milan runway model. It's found in the cool forests of Nagaland and is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss. If you spot one, count yourself lucky — and whisper thanks to the forest.
The Print
15-05-2025
- General
- The Print
9 Great Indian Bustard chicks were moved from Jaisalmer to safety in night op amid Pakistani shelling
Sam is 40 km from the India-Pakistan border, and Ramdevra is 225 km away. Initially housed in Jaisalmer's Ramdevra Great Indian Bustard Conservation Centre, and Sam Conservation and Breeding Centre, both close to the India-Pakistan border which had come under gunfire and artillery shelling, the Great Indian Bustard chicks had to be evacuated. The birds—categorised as critically endangered—took a long journey to Ajmer, where they are now ensconed in an entirely different centre. New Delhi: Nine newborn Great Indian Bustard chicks aged five to 28 days were among those who bore the brunt of the India-Pakistan standoff. The nine birds travelled 10 hours, covering over 200 km from their birth centres in Jaisalmer to the Ajmer centre in Arwar village. The Ajmer centre houses lesser Floricans, another critically endangered bird and the smallest in the bustard family. The transfer currently remains an 'interim measure' but also opens up the possibility of a satellite centre away from Jaisalmer, serving as a potential home for the captively bred Great Indian Bustards. 'Arwar is a bigger centre than Sam, and additional infrastructure is under construction. Activities in Arwar are also similar [to what happens in Ramdevra and Sam],' said Sutirtha Dutta, a Wildlife Institute of India (WII) senior scientist, who helms the bustard conservation programme. 'We are also building an additional cage, which will be ready in the next one to two months.' The cages being developed are the same model as the ones existing in the other centres, except bigger, and the additional cage would accommodate 20 birds. Meanwhile, Ramdevra is also upping the ante by building two new cages. There are currently 64 captively bred Great Indian Bustards. A collaboration between the WII and the Rajasthan forest department, their conservation programme has been hailed as a success. Ramdevra houses 28 birds, Sam 24, and now, Arwar nine. No final decision on the transfer of Arwar's nascent Great Indian Bustard population has, so far, been made. 'Discussions are still ongoing. We haven't had any discussion on Ajmer as a third centre,' said Rajasthan Deputy Conservator of Forests Brijmohan Gupta. However, Dutta said that 'for Great Indian Bustards of this size, as well as the lesser Floricans, the infrastructure needed is nearly the same'. He added that the India-Pakistan escalations, which made the conservation programme 'vulnerable', called for a 'spur of the moment decision'. In the event of a 'calamity' at Sam, more birds could have been transferred. The Great Indian Bustards that moved reflect a genetically diverse stock, including those born by artificial insemination. A over-200 km journey Of the nine birds moved to the Arwar centre, four are from Sam and five from Ramdevra. Carried in AC vehicles on soft-suspension foam beds, the birds, accompanied by technicians, were moved on 10 May at night. Transfers are regular between Ramdevra and Sam. Transportation, therefore, did not become as big an issue as it could have been. According to Dutta, Great Indian Bustards can be transported easily when they are young till they reach three-four months of age. However, the journey to Alwar was far longer than the travel time GIBs are accustomed to. According to conservation biologist Sumit Dookia, who has been instrumental in turning the local population of Jaisalmer into Great Indian Bustard stakeholders, the move was in the pipeline. However, the India-Pakistan conflict hastened the process. 'Over the last two to three years, efforts have been made to build a centre away from Jaisalmer,' he said. 'The current escalatory situation was used to convince local people that this was a move to save the Great Indian Bustard from the upcoming situation.' The locals were reluctant about the transfer since they have forged a deep bond with the Great Indian Bustards, and tending to the wild birds is now a part of Jaislamer's culture. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: Frantic car ride to hunkering in hotel basement, how my father's advice got me through Poonch shelling
