- The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) captive breeding and release program faces critical survival challenges, notably from native red fox predation in Rajasthan's Desert National Park (Jaisalmer). - Rewilding efforts require intense post-release monitoring, predator management, and habitat protection to ensure captive-bred birds adapt successfully to the wild. - GIB remains one of India's most critically endangered species, heavily impacted by overhead power transmission lines, habitat degradation, and predation. - The strategy underscores the complex ecological trade-offs and field hurdles involved in ex-situ conservation transitioning to in-situ reintroduction. - **Project Great Indian Bustard:** A species recovery program launched to protect and save India's critically endangered Great Indian Bustard through captive breeding, habitat improvement, and in-situ threat mitigation. - **Desert National Park:** A protected area located in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer and Barmer districts, representing the Thar Desert ecosystem and serving as the primary natural habitat for the Great Indian Bustard. - **Wildlife Institute of India:** An autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change that provides scientific guidance and technical support for wildlife research and conservation projects in India. **Introduction** The article outlines the implementation challenges faced by 'Project Great Indian Bustard' in Jaisalmer’s Desert National Park, focusing on captive release and rewilding hurdles such as red fox predation. It highlights the delicate balance required between ex-situ breeding programs and effective in-situ threat mitigation for India's critically endangered state bird of Rajasthan. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) captive breeding and release program faces critical survival challenges, notably from native red fox predation in Rajasthan's Desert National Park (Jaisalmer). - Rewilding efforts require intense post-release monitoring, predator management, and habitat protection to ensure captive-bred birds adapt successfully to the wild. - GIB remains one of India's most critically endangered species, heavily impacted by overhead power transmission lines, habitat degradation, and predation. - The strategy underscores the complex ecological trade-offs and field hurdles involved in ex-situ conservation transitioning to in-situ reintroduction. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Project Great Indian Bustard:** A species recovery program launched to protect and save India's critically endangered Great Indian Bustard through captive breeding, habitat improvement, and in-situ threat mitigation. - **Desert National Park:** A protected area located in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer and Barmer districts, representing the Thar Desert ecosystem and serving as the primary natural habitat for the Great Indian Bustard. - **Wildlife Institute of India:** An autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change that provides scientific guidance and technical support for wildlife research and conservation projects in India.