The Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) is a critically endangered bustard species found in two disjunct populations, one in the Indian subcontinent and the other in South East Asia. The former occurs from Uttar Pradesh through the terai of Nepal, to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and to Bangladesh. It has declined dramatically and only survives in small, highly fragmented populations.
The size of a large duck it is the only member of the genus Houbaropsis. Its population is estimated to be fewer than 1,000, perhaps as few as 500 adult birds only.
The most significant threat to this bird is the loss and alteration of its grassland habitat. Grasslands throughout its range are threatened by conversion to agriculture, overgrazing, heavy flooding, and inappropriate cutting and burning. Poaching continues to be a problem in Southeast Asia.
In India, it is protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
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