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It is found in the exclusively in north-western plains particularly parts of Rajasthan and also Pakistan.
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It is one of the heaviest flying birds.
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IUCN Status : critically endangered bird with less than 150 birds left in the wild.
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Indian Wildlife (Protection)Act,1972: Schedule I
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CITES: Appendix I
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Threats:
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Death by collision with infrastructure, particularly power lines and wind turbines,
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Depletion of grasslands,
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hunting,
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development of mines and human habitation in and around their habitats among others.
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It is the state bird of Rajasthan.
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Conservation Initiatives:
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Project Great Indian Bustard: It was launched by Rajasthan Government with the objective of conservation of the remaining population of critically endangered Great Indian Bustard(Ardeotis nigriceps) locally called Godawan.
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Firefly Bird Diverters:
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These are flaps installed on power lines, a reason for many death among GIB.
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They work as reflectors for bird species like the GIB. Birds can spot them from a distance of about 50 meters and change their path of flight to avoid collision with power lines.