Great bustard rescued on Xilin Gol grassland

By Zhao Xiao (chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2017-05-02

A local herdsman recently encountered an injured great bustard (Otis tarda) on grassland in Abag Banner, Xilin Gol League.

The great bustard was found near a cattle fence belonging to the herdsman Aori Qileng, who observed the bird crouching still and decided to take it home.

The herdsman attempted to feed the bustard with rice, millet, and corn, but the giant bird didn’t seem to have an appetite.

The herdsman decided to call the police at the local forest security department for help.

The bird was quickly identified as a national first-grade species for protection following examination at a local veterinary station.

Its wings were scratched and claws were numb due to a viral infection, according to local vets. The bird was given treatment following further examination.

The great bustard, the only member of the genus Otis, usually inhabits grassland, especially flat, open spaces. They seem to prefer areas with wild or cultivated crops such as cereals.

It breeds in open grassland and farmland in southern and central Europe, and across temperate regions of Asia. European populations are mainly non-migratory, but Asian birds are migratory.

The male great bustard is possibly the heaviest living flying animal. It is also arguably the most sexually dimorphic extant bird species, in terms of the size difference between males and females.

However, during the mating season, they actively avoid areas with regular human activity. Great bustards are often attracted to areas with considerable insect activity.

The population numbers between 31,000 and 37,000 birds. Between 4,200 and 4,500 are found in eastern Asia. In recent times, there have been steep declines in population throughout eastern and central Europe and in Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

Local vets examine and treat the great bustard found on grassland in Abag Banner, Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/chinanews.com]

The great bustard sits in a cage following its rescue in Abag Banner, Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/chinanews.com]

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