Mangaluru : The Forest Department is framing an action plan to save Great Indian Bustard in Karnataka where its numbers are fast decreasing, said Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Punati Sridhar.

Mr. Sridhar said only around 200 Great Indian Bustards were now present in the mid-Karnataka region. If no steps are taken, this bird will not be seen in the next five years.

There was need for people to join hands with the Forest Department to conserve this bird.

Mr. Sridhar said that events like the bird festival help in creating awareness about birds and animals and inspire people to join the department in preserving ecology. He said the Western Ghats was a mega biodiversity hotspot where many rare animal and plant species are found. People should come forward to protect the region.