Conservation must move beyond individual species: Bhupender Yadav

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

Conservation must move beyond individual species to the restoration of entire landscapes, combining scientific management, habitat restoration and community participation, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Sunday.

He also said India is working towards becoming a global benchmark in landscape-level conservation.

The minister made these comments during a review of the conservation status of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), grassland restoration and Project Cheetah.

At the event, Yadav also released the Gujarat Action Plan for GIB Conservation, prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with the Gujarat forest department.

He said the action plan provides a science-based roadmap to establish a minimum viable population of more than 30 birds and secure 200 sq. km to 500 sq. km of safe, contiguous habitat.

Yadav added that the immediate focus is on approximately 200 square kilometre.

On grassland restoration, the minister underlined the ecological importance of grasslands, which, he said, cover nearly 24 per cent of India's land area but remain among the country's most-degraded and under-conserved ecosystems.

Reviewing Project Cheetah, Yadav noted that India has established a growing population from 29 founder cheetahs, with the population now reaching 52 individuals, including 49 cubs born in the country.

He observed that the cub survival rate in the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, at around 68 per cent, significantly demonstrates the potential for successful population establishment under appropriate ecological conditions.