the Indian bustard, one of the world's most endangered birds, in on the verge of extinction in its natural habitat in the state of Andhra Pradesh. A recent survey of the Bird Watchers Association of Andhra Pradesh reveals that only four to five birds could be found in the Rallapadu sanctuary, the bird's natural habitat in Kurnool district. "There has been an alarming decline in the bird population and at this rate the bird could soon be extinct," says Siraj A Taher, president of the association. The sanctuary was developed by the state government to protect the birds. But environmentalists allege that the government had done nothing for saving the birds. They further stated that there is no restriction on movement of people and cattle in the 'so called sanctuary' and this endangers the bird's existence. According to the state forest department, the local people were hunting the bird on a large-scale for its meat. The environmentalist have suggested that steps should be taken to educate the local people about the need to protect the bird.
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