jhukar

Jhukar, also known as the Great Indian Bustard, is a critically endangered bird species native to the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, with males weighing up to 15 kilograms and females up to 10 kilograms. The jhukar is characterized by its large size, long legs, and distinctive black and white plumage, with a long, downward-curving bill.

The jhukar is primarily found in the dry deciduous forests and grasslands of India, Pakistan, and Nepal. Its diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, and insects. The species is known for its unique mating ritual, where the male performs a display flight, soaring high into the sky and then diving down to the ground.

Jhukar populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss, hunting, and human disturbance. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species, including the establishment of protected areas and captive breeding programs. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the jhukar as Critically Endangered, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action.