Great Indian Bustard is mainly associated with
Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps, critically endangered flagship of dry grasslands, historically distributed across 11 states but now confined mainly to desert zone landscapes with open short grass, scattered shrubs, and minimal human disturbance. Indian Desert Zone including Desert National Park Jaisalmer preserves ideal habitat of sewan Lasiurus scindicus grasslands where bustard displays lekking, feeds on insects, seeds, reptiles. Grassland degradation due to overgrazing, agricultural conversion, and power lines threatens survival. Desert zone association underscores importance of protecting non-forest biomes. Examinations emphasize this concept because it underpins correct interpretation of phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary systematics.
Ref: WII Bustard Species Recovery Programme Desert Habitat; BirdLife Ardeotis nigriceps Desert Distribution