Great Indian bustard, (Ardeotis nigriceps), large bird of the bustard family (Otididae), one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.

• The great Indian bustard inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands on the Indian subcontinent; its largest populations are found in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

It is Listed in-

• Schedule I of Indian Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972,
• Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) or Bonn Convention
• Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
• IUCN Red List- as Critically Endangered
• National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016)

It has also been identified as one of the species for recovery programme under Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

A National Green Tribunal (NGT) Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel has directed Central government to prepare a time-bound action plan within two months for protection of Great Indian Bustard.