Grassland Bird Survey Report

Grassland Bird Survey Report: Recently, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve released its first-ever Scientific Survey Report on Grassland Birds, revealing a remarkable diversity of avian species.

• Key Highlights: The survey spanned areas under the Eastern Assam, Biswanath, and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions.

o The survey documented 43 species of grassland-dependent birds, including:

- 1 Critically Endangered species

- 2 Endangered species

- 6 Vulnerable species

o These findings underscore Kaziranga’s floodplain grasslands as one of the richest avian habitats in India.

o Star Discovery: A breeding colony of the Endangered Finn’s Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus), locally known as Tukura Charai, was rediscovered in the Kohora Range—a significant indicator of healthy grassland ecosystems.

o Focus on Threatened and Endemic Species: 10 key species that are either globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains.

• About Kaziranga National Park : Located in the northeastern state of Assam (India), lies within the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.

o Ecological Significance: It is the largest undisturbed and representative area of the Brahmaputra Valley floodplains, playing a crucial role in ecosystem conservation.

o Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

o Flora includes dense elephant grass and swamplands enriched with aquatic plants like water lilies, hyacinths, and lotus.

o Fauna comprises several endangered species, including the one-horned rhinoceros (world’s largest population), Royal Bengal tiger, eastern swamp deer, elephant, wild buffalo, hoolock gibbon, capped langur, and Gangetic dolphin, making it a vital wildlife habitat.