Context & Significance
- A first-of-its-kind survey in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) (Assam) has recorded 43 species of grassland-dependent birds.
- Conducted between March 18 and May 25, 2025, it marks a milestone in the documentation of avifaunal diversity in the Brahmaputra floodplains.
- This is important for grassland ecosystem conservation, which remains under-researched in India compared to forests and wetlands.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
About Kaziranga National Park
| Feature | Detail |
| Location | Assam, Brahmaputra floodplains |
| Total Area | 1,174 sq. km |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Yes, since 1985 |
| Habitat Type | Mix of wet grasslands, forests, and wetlands |
| Known for | One-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and now, grassland birds |
Key Findings from the Survey
| Species Category | Example(s) |
| Critically Endangered | Bengal florican |
| Endangered | Finn’s weaver (locally: Tukura Chorai), confirmed breeding |
| Vulnerable (6 species) | Marsh babbler, Swamp francolin, Jerdon’s babbler, Bristled grassbird, etc. |
| Others | Total of 43 species documented across 3 divisions of Kaziranga |
Innovative Methodology Used
- Passive Acoustic Monitoring
- Use of passive acoustic recorders for:
- Non-invasive, continuous monitoring
- Detecting shy, cryptic, or nocturnal birds
- Coverage of inaccessible or high-risk areas
- Significantly improved the depth and accuracy of avifaunal detection.
Why Grasslands Matter
- Wet grasslands, like those in Kaziranga, are ecologically rich but poorly studied.
- These ecosystems support unique, endemic, and endangered species.
- Serve as breeding grounds, foraging zones, and indicator habitats of environmental health.
Comparative Significance
- Kaziranga’s grassland bird diversity is now comparable to dry grasslands of Gujarat and Rajasthan, known for species like:
- Great Indian Bustard (critically endangered)
- Lesser florican
- Highlights importance of wet grasslands in conservation discourse, which often emphasizes forests and dry grasslands.
Policy & Conservation Implications
1. Need for Ecosystem-Specific Surveys
- Wet grasslands are under-surveyed across India.
- Targeted studies like this can guide species-specific conservation plans.
2. Grassland Management
- Presence of Finn’s weaver breeding suggests healthy grassland ecology.
- Conservation of such indicator species is critical to ecosystem stability.
3. Integration with Tiger Reserves
- Emphasizes multi-species management in Protected Areas (PA)—not just megafauna like rhinos or tigers.
- Enhances landscape-level conservation under CAMPA, Project Tiger, and Biodiversity Action Plans.
Challenges & Way Forward
| Issue | Suggestion |
| Grasslands misclassified as ‘wastelands’ | Reclassify and protect under eco-sensitive zones |
| Limited research outside flagship fauna | Expand surveys to birds, insects, amphibians |
| Human pressure & encroachment | Balance tourism, local livelihoods, and habitat protection |
| Climate vulnerability | Long-term monitoring using tools like acoustic sensors + AI |
