The Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (Vigors) in and around the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (Vigors), an threatened bird species of Indian sub-continent, now, is struggling for survival in fragmented patches of drier areas of the country. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh is one such fragmented repository established for the conservation of bustard and its associated species of the region. Initially the population of bustard was found to be increasing due to the zealous protection from the Forest Department. But this infatuated protection of the habitat gradually led to the disuse by the bustards especially during summer breeding season (April-June). On the other hand, conversion of grasslands adjoining the sanctuary into farmlands resulted in discontinuous distribution within a decade of time. Reconnaissance survey conducted between January to December 2003 in 12 sites from where the bustard was known, it was found only from five sites. The population of Great Indian Bustard estimated by us ranges between 30-37. The present paper reports an account of estimated population size during non-breeding and breeding season, nesting sites and adverse impact of associated species and other factors in and around the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary.