India's conservation efforts for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard have reached a new milestone, with three additional chicks joining the national captive breeding program and raising the total captive population to 94 birds, according to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.

The latest development marks continued progress under Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB), one of India's most significant wildlife recovery initiatives. The three newly hatched chicks emerged from one wild-collected egg and two eggs laid in captivity, strengthening the breeding population during the program's fourth year.

Captive Breeding Program Records Steady Growth

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said that 26 chicks have hatched so far during the 2026 breeding season. Of these, 18 were produced through artificial insemination, four through natural breeding and four from wild-collected eggs.

The increase brings the total captive stock to 94 birds, reflecting steady growth since the conservation breeding program was launched to prevent further decline of the species.

The Great Indian Bustard is among the world's most threatened birds. Once widely distributed across India's grasslands, its population has fallen sharply due to habitat loss, infrastructure-related threats and other human-induced pressures.

Wild Population Support Through Genetic Diversity Measures

Conservation officials said the project is also supporting wild populations. In exchange for wild-collected eggs used in captive breeding, three chicks have successfully hatched in Rajasthan through a "jumpstart intervention" program.

The approach aims to improve founder genetic diversity while reducing the risk of egg and chick losses from natural predators. Wildlife experts consider genetic diversity a critical factor for the long-term survival of small and fragmented populations.

Conservation Efforts Gain National Attention

The breeding program forms part of India's broader strategy to recover the Great Indian Bustard, a flagship grassland species. Scientists and conservation managers continue to monitor breeding success, chick survival and habitat protection measures.

Officials expect additional hatchings during the current breeding season, which could further strengthen the conservation program and support long-term species recovery efforts.