Lesser Florican
Context:
The species was recently mentioned in the Supreme Court, highlighting that captive breeding efforts for the Lesser Florican are not showing success
Its population is declining at an alarming rate with a 2010 survey showing a 65% drop in sightings in north-western India compared to 1999
Significance:
The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus) is the smallest of India's four bustard species and is a predominantly grassland bird
It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent
The bird is best known for its unique aerial courtship display
Here the male makes spectacular jumps to a height of 1.5m to 2m, up to 500 times a day, during its breeding season (July to October)
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List:
Endangered
Indian Law:
It is given the highest degree of protection under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
It is also included as a priority species for recovery by the Ministry of Environment
Distribution
The bird is largely seen during the monsoon (breeding season) in the grasslands of north-western India, specifically in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan
Two wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh, Sailana Sanctuary (Ratlam) and Sardarpur Sanctuary(Dhar), were established exclusively for its conservation
Threats to Survival
Habitat Loss & Degradation:
Grasslands are often viewed as wastelands and destroyed by planting trees
Conversion of grasslands for agricultural use, particularly for cash crops like soya bean
Industrial development (including the construction of windmills)
Agricultural Practices:
Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides contaminates their food (insects) and affects breeding
Biotic Pressures:
Excessive grazing by cattle reduces the grass cover required for safe breeding
Trampling of eggs by livestock and Nilgai
Increased predation by stray dogs