Overview
- Two captive-bred males were released from WII’s Sam centre on Oct 4 and two more on Oct 14 as part of an 11-bird experimental rewilding in Desert National Park.
- The six-month-old male released on Oct 14 was attacked while drinking at a natural pond and was confirmed killed by a desert fox on Oct 18 after its satellite signal stopped transmitting.
- WII and Rajasthan forest teams recovered the bird’s satellite tag at the site and collected blood samples for laboratory examination.
- WII has halted additional releases until it completes a review of release protocols and site safeguards, while three other released birds remain under continuous satellite monitoring.
- The loss highlights the challenge of reintroducing captive-raised bustards into predator-filled habitat for a species that is critically endangered and legally protected under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act and international treaties.