An exciting way to explore : Large-scale survey to assess the status of Great Indian Bustard, associated wildlife and habitat in

Wildlife Institute of India and Rajasthan Forest Department have been conducting large-scale survey to assess the status of Great Indian Bustard, associated wildlife and habitat in Thar.

The protocol for this survey has been developed and executed over the last three years

The survey involves mammoth effort by volunteers and front-line staff to systematically sample ~20,000 sqkm landscape within seven days following Occupancy and Distance sampling designs. This year the exercise will be repeated during March 17 to 25, 2017 under the supervision of Dr. Y. V. Jhala, Dr. G. S. Bhardwaj, Mr. Anoop K.R. and Ms. Sutirtha Dutta.

We are inviting trained field biologists to volunteer for this exercise. If you intend to join, please respond to this mail within a week with a paragraph on your field experience, marking a copy to sutirthadutta2016@gmail.com and Bipin C.M. (bipin@wii.gov.in)

Volunteers have to reach Jaisalmer before March 17, 9:00 am (the training day) and can return after March 26, 9:00 am. Your field travel, accommodation and food costs during this survey will be supported by us. Additionally, you will be able to visit the amazing landscapes of Jaisalmer,Jodhpur and Barmer, and can contribute to the conservation of a critically endangered species and a neglected ecosystem.