Away from hostile borders, bustards find home in Ajmer

On May 9, India relocated nine Great Indian Bustard chicks for safety amid rising tensions with Pakistan

On May 9, two days after Pakistan launched drones and missiles targeting various locations in India — most were brought down by India’s air defence system — India moved some precious cargo from Jaisalmer, around 10km from the Pakistan border, to Ajmer, roughly 500km to the east.

Captive breeding has emerged as a possible way to combat (or at least defer), the imminent extinction of the Great Indian Bustard. (HT photo)

The live cargo, nine Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) chicks, were moved in special vehicles to a centre that may now be the second captive breeding centre of a species that has been