India, May 21 -- Nine Godawans or Great Indian Bustards were spotted together in the wild on the "Godawan Day", observed to promote the conservation of the critically-endangered species, at Jaisalmer's Desert National Park (DNP) on Thursday.

Forest department officials said the group included five female and four male Great Indian Bustards. Wildlife experts called the sighting a significant success for conservation efforts, as the shy bird is rarely seen in such numbers together.

The rare sighting took place in the Sudasari region during the Rajasthan forest and environment minister Sanjay Sharma-led safari. Sharma unveiled special statues of Godawan to spread awareness about desert wildlife conservation at an event at the Sudasari Bree...