The first-ever grassland bird census conducted in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) recorded 43 species, highlighting Kaziranga as a major site for grassland bird diversity in India.
- The study is significant because wet grasslands are not very well surveyed in India. Kaziranga’s grassland bird diversity can, thus, be compared in terms of species richness with the dry grasslands of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
| A grassland ecosystem is a biome characterized by vast expanses of grasses, herbs, and occasionally some scattered trees or shrubs. |
Key Findings from the Census
- Habitat analysis showed that birds occupied a range of grassland types.
Banni Grassland Restoration Project
- Initiated in 2019 by the Gujarat Forest Department to revive Banni’s degraded grasslands.
- Focuses on uprooting invasive Prosopis juliflora and sowing native grass species.
- Aims to ensure fodder availability for pastoralist communities.
- Uses ploughing and trenching to control water flow and restrict cattle grazing.
|
- Tall, wet grasslands supported the highest number of species, including many threatened ones.
- Other important habitats: tall grasslands, short grass/open fields, and scrub grasslands.
- The diversity and abundance of species indicate the excellent health of Kaziranga’s grassland ecosystem.
Finn’s Weaver Colony:-
- The survey documented a breeding colony of the endangered Finn’s Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus), locally known as tukura sorai.
- Described as a “master nest-builder”, the bird is a vital ecological indicator of grassland health.
- It is considered a “LIFER” (first-time sighting) for many birdwatchers.
- Focal Species in the Survey: The census emphasized ten focal species, many of which are globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains.
- Critically endangered species – Bengal Florican
- Endangered – Swamp Grass Babbler, Finn’s Weaver.
- Vulnerable – Swamp Francolin, Jerdon’s Babbler, Slender-billed Babbler, Black-breasted Parrotbill, Marsh Babbler, Bristled Grassbird.
- Near threatened – Indian Grassbird.
About Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve
- Located between the Brahmaputra River and the Karbi (Mikir) Hills, Assam.
- Kaziranga is a mix of grasslands, forestlands, and wetlands.
- Designated as a: National Park (1974), Tiger Reserve (since 2007), UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985), Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International
- Hosts two-thirds of the global Indian one-horned rhinoceros population – 2,613 (as per 2022 census).
- High success in wildlife conservation among Indian protected areas.
- Important zone for migratory birds due to its position at the Australasia–Indo-Asian flyway junction.
- Major Fauna:
- Known for the “Big Four” – Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Elephant, Asiatic water buffalo.
- Other species include: Swamp deer, Hog deer, Gaur, Leopard, Fishing Cat, Lesser cats, Western hoolock gibbon (endangered, India’s only ape species.
- Around 478 bird species (resident and migratory)
- Habitat of the critically endangered Bengal florican
- Major Flora: Dominated by dense, tall elephant grass.
- Includes: Swamplands, water lilies, lotus, water hyacinths, Rattan Cane (a climbing palm species).
India’s Diverse Grassland Ecosystem
- Deccan Plateau Grasslands: Spread across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, these grasslands feature a mix of short and tall grasses and support species like the Indian wolf and Indian fox.
- Western Ghats Grasslands (Shola Grasslands): Located at high altitudes in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, these grasslands are interwoven with shola forests and are home to endemic species like the Nilgiri tahr.
- Punjab Plains Grasslands (Northwestern Plains): Found in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, these fertile grasslands are part of the Indo-Gangetic plain and play a major role in India’s wheat and rice cultivation.
- Eastern Himalayan Grasslands: Located in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Bhutan, these high-altitude grasslands are vital for biodiversity and support species like the red panda and snow leopard.
- Banni Grasslands: Situated in Gujarat’s Kutch district, these seasonally flooded grasslands serve as key grazing grounds and attract a variety of migratory bird species.
|
To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.
PWOnlyIAS
