Government reinforces commitment to protect Great Indian Bustard in Gujarat

He further noted that population estimations for flagship species like tigers, snow leopards, and dolphins are conducted at the national level, while assessments for other animals and birds are carried out by the respective states and union territories, and these figures are not consolidated at the ministry level. Yadav added that wild animals listed in Schedules I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 are protected from hunting. The Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis) is categorized in Schedule II of the Act. To highlight the government’s initiatives for wildlife protection, Yadav mentioned that a network of protected areas, including national parks, sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and community reserves, has been established across the country. He also noted that financial assistance is provided to states and union territories for wildlife management and habitat development under centrally sponsored schemes such as ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’ and ‘Project Tiger & Elephant,’ based on the Annual Plan of Operation (APO) submitted by these entities. Additionally, special programs like ‘Project Tiger,’ ‘Project Elephant,’ ‘Project Lion,’ ‘Project Snow Leopard,’ ‘Project Dolphin,’ ‘Project Cheetah,’ and ‘Project Great Indian Bustard’ have been initiated for their conservation, Yadav concluded.



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