Bustards (family: Otididae) are magnificent, cursorial birds, inhabiting open country. Over a century ago, they were in large numbers in different parts of the European continent and other countries. But today, they are reported in small numbers only in some parts of Africa, Europe, Australia and India. There has been growing concern at the danger of virtual extinction of this avain family.

Bustards are large gallinaceous birds. Their size ranges from that of a domesticcock to larger than a peacock. They have long legs and their feet are sturdy with three short, strong toes. They live partly in pairs and partly without a definite pair bond. The courting behaviour is an effective display of the plumage. They feed on grasses, herbs, plant parts, as well as on insects, especially grasshoppers, locusts, bugs, mice, lizards, snails and other small animals. The species found in India is known as Great Indian Bustard (Choriotis nigriceps). The position of this species has always been precarious. But emphasis on its protection was initiated soon after India gained independance. In 1952, the Indian Board for Wild Life, placed the bird on the fully protect list of endangered birds and all State Governments accepted the recommendation. The Red Data Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has placed the species in the endangered list.

In 1969, at the IUCN General Assembly held at New Delhi under the patroship of the Prime Minister. Smt. Indira Gandhi, the preservation of the bustard was re-emphasised. At that time the number of Great Indian Bustard in India was reported as 1260. A survey of Great India Bustard was undertaken as a follow up of this meeting. It was the first scientific bustard study in India and revealed that the species was rare and that habitat destruction, coupled with poaching and trampling of its egs, were the chief causes of its decline. However, certain factors have helped it to survive inspite of years of heavy persecution. The bird is not restricted to its biotope of grassland; it moves into cultivation where, at times, it finds more food. This erratic movement makes it more difficult for the poachers to locate and destroy it. The bird has excellent eyesight and hearing powers and is capable of hiding when danger threatens.

Today, the Great Indian Bustard is reported in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. All the five States have taken up programmes for effective preservation of this species and its ecosystem. Karnataka has set up a sanctuary in Sholapur and Ahmednagar districts. Rajasthan is establishing a Desert National Park besides protecting it in other isolated pockets. Gujarat is contemplating a programme for a sanctuary. Madhya Pradesh is planning in a similar way in Shivpuri and Gwalior regions. Great Indian Bustard is locally known by various names in various States. The names popularly used are Yerbhoot, Maldhok, Ghorad, Godawan, Hukna, Tuqdar etc. International Symposium on Bustards being held in Jaipur has been jointly sponsord by Tourism & Wild-life Society of India, Government of India's Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Rajasthan Government's Department of Tourism Development Corporation.

Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department considers it a privilege to issue a special stamp on the occasion of the International Symposium. (The above text is based on material published elsewhere and/or supplied by the sponsors).

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India