Barmer/Jaisalmer, April 5 -- Three new Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chicks have hatched through artificial insemination at captive breeding centres in Jaisalmer, raising the total number in captivity to 76 and bolstering efforts to save the critically endangered species. In a significant breakthrough for wildlife conservation, the chicks, known locally as 'Sonchidiya' or godawan, were born at two Rajasthan Forest Department facilities. One hatched at the Ramdevra centre, which now houses 52 birds, while two emerged at the Sudasari (Sam) facility, home to 24 birds. Officials hail artificial insemination as a key tool in the conservation strategy. The technique proves especially valuable where natural breeding falters, as GIBs typically lay just one egg per year with low wild survival rates. Confirming the development, Brijmohan Gupta, desert national park divisional forest officer (DFO), said, "Artificial insemination is proving to be a lifeline for the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard. This technique makes it possible to achieve breeding even in situations where natural reproduction is not feasible." The conservation programme, run in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India for scientific and technical support, aims to release mature chicks into the wild to bolster the population. Yet the species faces grave threats outside captivity. High-voltage power lines cause most deaths, as the birds often fail to spot wires in flight. Following Supreme Court of India directives, work proceeds to bury lines and fit bird diverters in priority habitats. Launched in 2016, the Bustard Recovery Programme unites the Rajasthan government, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change, and the International Fund for Houbara Conservation. In 2022, the Jaisalmer centre collected 30 eggs, with 24 hatching successfully - though two chicks died later. By April 2023, 13 more eggs hatched via artificial incubation. The current 2024-2029 phase prioritises artificial insemination alongside captive breeding and ties with IFHC, building on milestones like successful egg hatching and insemination-born chicks....