Barmer/Jaisalmer, May 10 -- The latest waterhole census in the Desert National Park has recorded only 41 sightings of the Great Indian Bustard, breaking the upward trend observed annually so far. 73 sightings of the elusive species were recorded in 2025 and 64 in 2024. When compared over a longer timeline, the fluctuation becomes more evident- the waterhole census had recorded 42 bustards in 2022, while the count could not be conducted in 2023 due to inclement weather conditions due to a prevailing Western disturbance. The data also suggests a decline in biodiversity indicators over time, with 2024 reporting a far higher overall presence of wildlife, including around 1,000 Chinkara, 150 foxes, 30 Desert Cat and over 100 Vulture spotted during the year's count. Despite the decline in bustard sightings this year, the broader desert ecosystem continues to show stability. The 2026 census recorded 1,082 chinkaras, 182 Desert Fox, around 87 fox and jackal sightings, 84 desert cats, and 13 vultures, which officials said suggested active wildlife movement across the Thar region. District forest officer Brij Mohan Gupta confirmed the sighting of multiple wildlife species, including 41 Great Indian Bustards, during the annual waterhole survey conducted in the Desert National Park. Meanwhile, a recent survey by the Wildlife Institute of India, conducted with the state forest department, estimates the Great Indian Bustard population at around 130 birds, indicating a broadly stable but fragile population confined to about 16% of the Thar landscape. The study marks the first detailed scientific census since 2018, with subsequent surveys delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and staff shortages, said members of the research team. Every summer, the wildlife census is conducted using the specially-built waterholes by the forest department. Officials said the animals were counted especially during full moon nights, as they are easier to spot. Experts explained that the primary reason for counting wild animals on Vaishakh Purnima is that this period is generally very hot, with temperatures in the desert state usually rising above 45 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat forces wildlife to come and drink water at least once every 24 hours. Additionally, the moonlight on this full moon night is the brightest, allowing wild animals to be easily seen from a distance without the aid of artificial lighting. Therefore, Vaishakh Purnima is considered the most suitable day for wildlife census across Indja. The GIB is critically endangered, with fewer than 200 remaining in the subcontinent. It is the state bird of Rajasthan and protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and also listed in Schedule I of the CMS and Appendix I of CITES....