Kaziranga unveils first Grassland Bird Survey with 43 species recorded

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has released its first Grassland Bird Survey Report, highlighting critical habitats and threatened species in the Brahmaputra floodplains. The survey recorded 43 grassland bird species, including one Critically Endangered, two Endangered, and six Vulnerable species, making it one of the highest grassland bird diversities in India.

The survey was conducted between 18 March and 25 May 2025 across the Eastern Assam, Biswanath, and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions. It used point count surveys and passive acoustic monitoring to assess grassland birds in this ecologically important region.

Special focus was given to ten species that are either globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains. These include the Bengal Florican, Swamp Francolin, Finn's Weaver, Swamp Grass Babbler, Jerdon's Babbler, Slender-billed Babbler, Black-breasted Parrotbill, Marsh Babbler, Bristled Grassbird, and Indian Grassbird.

A key finding was the discovery of a breeding colony of the endangered Finn's Weaver in the Kohora Range of Kaziranga. This bird is an important indicator of grassland health and is known for building nests atop trees.

The use of passive acoustic recorders allowed for non-invasive and continuous monitoring, improving detection of shy and cryptic species. This method enhanced the accuracy and depth of the survey findings.

The report identifies several critical grassland habitats within Kaziranga that support significant populations of threatened and endemic birds. It underscores the need for focused habitat protection and management to conserve these species.

The survey was a collaborative effort involving forest officials, scientists, and conservationists. Experts included Dr. Asad R. Rahmani, Dr. Anwar Uddin Choudhury, Dr. Ranjan Kumar Das, Dr. Udayan Borthakur, Dr. Sonali Ghosh, and others.

The report was released on 11th July at Kaziranga by the Hon'ble Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, who appreciated the efforts of the park authorities in documenting lesser-known aspects of biodiversity.

This report marks an important step in the long-term conservation of grassland birds. It highlights the need for ongoing ecological monitoring and adaptive management to protect these fragile ecosystems. Kaziranga is reaffirmed as a key refuge for avian biodiversity within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The report also provides a model for integrating scientific research into protected area management, which can be applied to other landscapes in India and beyond.