Thursday, October 12, 2006

PRIDE OF RAJASTHAN

PRIDE OF RAJASTHAN

The Great Indian Bustard is the protected bird of Rajasthan. Once found almost throughout India, it is tragically on the verge of extinction. Hardly 1,000 of the species are found in the Desert National Park in Rajasthan. Shy and timid by nature, the bustard keeps away from humans, preferring open scrub lands where it lives in small groups. This spectacular bird undergoes a complete transformation at courtship when the gular sac in its neck inflates to the size of a balloon and hangs between its legs. Strutting majestically before its harem of hens, the bird utters a far-reaching call.

Although it has wings, the bird is slow a take-off because of its 16 kg weight. But is a swift runner. The hunter can easily spon and shoot the unsuspecting bird from his vehicle because of its long white neck which is visible from a distance. The bustard is hunted for its meat which is a gourmet’s delight.

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home