The occupancy of Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) using local people’s knowledge in the Deccan Plateau, Karnataka, India

Abstract. Kumar PR, Deepak D, Kumara HN, Babu A. 2023. The occupancy of Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) using local people’s knowledge in the Deccan Plateau, Karnataka, India. Biodiversitas 24: 1400-1407. (GIB) is a critically endangered species that went extinct most its geographical range and facing global extinction risk. southernmost population this bird at present Siruguppa taluk Bellary district Karnataka State, Except for few sight records, data not available on any aspect state. We collected sightings GIB from people an area 359 km2. modeled probability occurrence study site associated it with habitat parameters. Keeping findings occupancy, we explored GIB. results showed tree density length metal road influenced positively, while number villages period land use negatively. Nearly 30% grids were predicted to have high detecting landscape. had 115 detections recorded them 70% grid cells where reported GIBs. beneficial less expensive like initial exploration also monitor landscape level.