Nestled amidst the golden sands of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is not just a city of forts, havelis, and desert camps — it’s also the last stronghold of one of the rarest birds on Earth: the Great Indian Bustard. Known locally as “Godawan”, this majestic bird has become a symbol of India’s vanishing grasslands and the fragile biodiversity that depends on them. For wildlife lovers, bird watchers, and eco-tourists, a visit to Desert National Park near Jaisalmer offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Great Indian Bustard in its natural habitat.
Who is the Great Indian Bustard?
The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is a large, ground-dwelling bird known for its towering height (nearly 1 meter), long legs, and stately gait. Weighing up to 15 kilograms, it is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. Males are distinguished by a black crown on their head, a white neck and underparts, and a large gular pouch that inflates during mating displays to produce booming calls. Females are smaller and more camouflaged.
This bird is a flagship species of India’s arid grasslands and is critically endangered, with fewer than 150 individuals left in the wild. Most of this dwindling population survives in and around the Desert National Park in Jaisalmer, making this region globally significant for bird conservation.
Desert National Park – A Unique Habitat
Located around 40 km from Jaisalmer, the Desert National Park (DNP) spreads across 3,162 square kilometers of arid terrain, including sand dunes, gravel plains, rocky outcrops, and scrubby grasslands. Unlike dense forests, this dry and open habitat is ideal for the bustard, which requires wide visibility to avoid predators and prefers to nest and forage on the ground.
Though it may look barren at first glance, the DNP supports a rich variety of wildlife including:
- Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)
- Desert Fox
- Monitor Lizards
- Laggar Falcons
- Eagles and Harriers
But the crown jewel of this ecosystem remains the Great Indian Bustard, often spotted early in the morning or late in the evening as it forages or performs its courtship display during the monsoon.
Where to See the Great Indian Bustard in Jaisalmer
The best places to spot the bustard within DNP are:Sudasari Enclosure:
A core area within the park, this region has protected grassland, an interpretation center, and a watchtower. Several conservation initiatives are centered here, and it’s one of the top zones where bustards are regularly sighted.
Ramdeora & Sam Villages:
These buffer areas near the famous Sam Sand Dunes are also home to bustard habitats. Efforts are ongoing to balance eco-tourism and bird conservation.
Nabh Dungar:
A hillock that provides panoramic views of the park and is occasionally used for raptor and bustard sighting.
Tourists should hire a licensed naturalist or guide and explore these areas responsibly, respecting the fragile ecosystem.
A Day with the Bustard – Wildlife Safari Experience
Morning Safari:
Start before sunrise from Jaisalmer and drive towards Sudasari gate. The early hours increase your chances of spotting the bustard feeding on insects, seeds, or berries in open grasslands.
Guided Nature Walk:
Some zones allow for short walks with a guide, where you’ll learn about grassland ecology, bustard nesting sites, and threats like invasive species or grazing pressure.
Birdwatching:
Apart from bustards, visitors can see several desert birds such as:
- Cream-colored Courser
- Indian Eagle Owl
- Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark
- Short-toed Snake Eagle
- Evening Drive:
A golden sunset over the dunes often brings raptors into flight and gives you a chance to hear the deep mating call of a male bustard during the monsoon season.
Jeep safari package in jaisalmer
Conservation Efforts in Jaisalmer
1. Breeding and Rescue Centers
The Great Indian Bustard Conservation Breeding Centre near Sam and Ramdeora villages is a joint initiative by the Rajasthan Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Eggs laid in the wild are rescued from vulnerable nests and incubated under controlled conditions, helping boost chick survival rates.
2. Power Line Undergrounding
Overhead power lines are a major cause of death due to collision. In response to a Supreme Court order, power lines in critical bustard habitats near Jaisalmer are being moved underground, significantly reducing risk.
3. Community Awareness
Local communities are increasingly engaged in conservation. Eco-guides, nature clubs, and school programs help spread awareness about the importance of protecting the bustard and its grassland ecosystem.
4. Tourism-Based Support
With careful planning, eco-tourism generates funds and employment while supporting conservation. Tourist fees and donations help fund protection initiatives.
Challenges to Survival
Despite conservation efforts, the Great Indian Bustard faces several threats:
- Habitat loss due to agriculture, mining, and infrastructure
- Poaching and hunting in the past
- Egg predation by feral dogs
- Collisions with power lines and wind turbines
- Lack of genetic diversity due to small population
Urgent and coordinated action is essential to prevent extinction.
How to Plan a Bustard Tour in Jaisalmer
Best Time to Visit:
- October to March: Ideal weather and good chances of spotting birds.
- Monsoon (July–September): Breeding season; courtship displays may be visible but road access may be limited.
Travel Tips:
- Stay in eco-resorts or desert camps near Sam or Khuri.
- Hire trained naturalist guides.
- Carry binoculars and telephoto cameras.
- Wear earth-tone clothing and avoid loud noises.
Getting There:
- By Road: Jaisalmer is well connected by bus and taxi from Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaipur.
- By Rail: Jaisalmer railway station connects to Delhi and other major cities.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport (seasonal flights), or Jodhpur Airport (285 km away).
jaisalmer camel safari tour package
Responsible Travel – Be a Friend to the Bustard
Tourism can either endanger or empower wildlife — the choice lies in how we travel. While exploring the Desert National Park:
- Don’t leave plastic or waste
- Don’t venture off designated tracks
- Avoid playing music or loud sounds
- Don’t chase or disturb birds for photos
- Support local conservation initiatives
