Decline of Grassland Birds in Nilgiris

3 Sep 2025

Decline of Grassland Birds in Nilgiris

A study in Global Change Biology examined 170 years of land-use change in the Nilgiri mountains of the Western Ghats to understand its impact on bird diversity. 

  • Researchers combined historical museum specimen records with modern field surveys to track biodiversity trends.

Key Findings from the Study

  • Grassland bird decline:
    • The relative abundance of ~90% of grassland birds has dropped.
    • Nilgiri pipit and Malabar lark (grassland specialists) suffered steepest declines.
    • Grassland extent reduced by 80% from 993 sq. km (1848) to 201 sq. km (2018).
  • Forest bird stability:
    • The abundance of ~53% of forest birds was relatively stable over the last century.
    • Grasslands were replaced by exotic plantations or woody invasive species, creating alternative habitats for forest-dependent birds.
  • Main concern: Grasslands remain poorly recognised in conservation, while focus is often on forests and tree plantations.

About Nilgiri Pipit

Grassland Birds

  • Distribution: The Nilgiri Pipit (Anthus nilghiriensis) is endemic to the Western Ghats, found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
  • Habitat: Prefers grassy upland slopes with scattered bushes and trees, mainly above 1,500 m; most abundant over 2,000 m.
  • Conservation Status: Listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.
  • Feeding Habits: Feeds primarily on creeping grasses in valleys and consumes seeds of grasses and herbs.
  • Breeding & Nesting: Builds nests in marshy grasslands with taller grasses and sedges, especially near streams.
  • Threats: Facing habitat loss due to conversion of native grasslands into tea, eucalyptus, and silver wattle (Acacia dealbata) plantations. 

About Malabar Lark

Grassland Birds

  • Appearance: Rusty-brown bird with heavily streaked upperparts, a short crest, paler underparts, and strong streaks on the breast.
  • Habitat: Found in grassy fields, rocky areas, and open landscapes.
  • Behavior: Forages lazily; often forms flocks outside the breeding season.
  • Vocalization: Produces a pleasant series of variable short whistles.
  • Breeding: Sedentary breeder, nests on the ground, lays 2–3 eggs.
  • Diet: Primarily feeds on seeds, with insects forming a key part of the diet during the breeding season.
  • Conservation Status: Classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. 

About Shola Forests

  • Definition: A unique mosaic of montane evergreen forests and grasslands.
  • Location: Restricted to tropical high-altitude regions (>1500 m) in the southern Western Ghats.
  • Characteristics: Rolling grasslands interspersed with patches of stunted evergreen trees.
  • Biodiversity: Habitat for many endemic and endangered plants and animals.
  • Ecological Importance: Crucial for sustaining water cycles and maintaining hydrological balance.

About Nligiri Mountains

  • Location: Nilgiri Mountains lie at the trijunction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka in the southern Western Ghats.
  • Highest Peak: Doddabetta (2,637 m) is the tallest point in the range.
  • Geography: Characterised by rolling hills, deep valleys, and elevated plateaus with unique Shola–grassland ecosystems.
  • Ecology: Recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, home to endemic species like Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, and Nilgiri pipit.
  • Hydrological Role: Acts as a vital watershed, feeding rivers such as the Bhavani, Kabini etc

Role of Natural History Museums

  • Biodiversity Repositories: Act as vital stores of biodiversity data, especially in species-rich regions like India.
  • Historical Records: Provide information on species distributions, taxonomy, migration, climate responses, and biodiversity collapse.
  • Key Challenges: Face issues such as lack of digitisation, limited funding, outdated infrastructure, bureaucratic hurdles, high travel costs, visa restrictions, and disputes over specimen ownership/repatriation.

Insights for Conservation

  • Archival Value: Historical archives (specimens, journals, maps) complement field studies by offering long-term biodiversity baselines.
  • Grassland Restoration: Emphasise recognition and restoration of grasslands as critical ecosystems.
  • Nature-Based Solutions: Stress the need for proper valuation of non-forest habitats and adoption of nature-based solutions to prevent biodiversity loss.

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Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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