Great Indian Bustards adapt to produce 2-egg clutch

Source: The post is based on the article “Great Indian Bustards adapt to produce 2-egg clutch” published in The Hindu on 19th August 2022.

What is the News?

Great Indian Bustards(GIBs) in Rajasthan’s Desert National Park(DNP) have adopted an altogether new habit of laying a clutch of two eggs at a time after having a diet with additional proteins during the monsoon season.

About Great Indian Bustard

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How did the Great Indian Bustard lay two eggs at a time?

Desert National Park(DNP) had good rainfall this year.

Due to this, the number of insects and pests had also increased due to the moisture and humidity. This meant there was more food for the Great Indian Bustard. Hence, they were consequently able to lay two eggs.

Note: Bustards usually lay only one egg in a breeding season that lasts from March to October.

What is Desert National Park?

Desert National Park is a national park situated in the Indian state of Rajasthan. This is one of the largest national parks.

The Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert. Sand dunes form around 44% of the Park. 

The Chinkara or Indian Gazelle (Gazella bennettii) is a common antelope of this region. The Great Indian Bustard is also found here in relatively fair numbers.