GRASSLAND BIRD CENSUS
Among the significant findings was the identification of a breeding colony of the endangered Finn’s Weaver, a bird unique to the Brahmaputra floodplains. The study focused on ten priority species that are either globally threatened or endemic to this region:
| Species Name | Scientific Name | IUCN Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bengal Florican | Houbaropsis bengalensis | Critically Endangered |
| Swamp Francolin | Ortygornis gularis | Near Threatened |
| Indian Grassbird | Graminicola bengalensis | Near Threatened |
| Finn’s Weaver | Ploceus megarhynchus | Endangered |
| Swamp Grass Babbler | Laticilla cinerascens | Endangered |
| Jerdon’s Babbler | Chrysomma altirostre | Vulnerable |
| Slender-billed Babbler | Argya longirostris | Vulnerable |
| Black-breasted Parrotbill | Paradoxornis flavirostris | Vulnerable |
| Marsh Babbler | Pellorneum palustre | Vulnerable |
| Bristled Grassbird | Schoenicola striatus | Vulnerable |
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Grasslands, dominated by the Poaceae family which includes between 10,000 to 12,000 species, span large portions of the Earth's surface and support rich biodiversity. These ecosystems are typically found in regions with low to moderate rainfall, ranging from 600 to 1,500 mm annually.
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Often underestimated, grasslands are even more beneficial than forests in several ways. They deliver crucial ecosystem functions such as water and carbon storage, nutrient recycling, and climate regulation. Importantly, they also sustain both human agriculture and livestock, alongside wild herbivores — which in turn support carnivores by serving as their prey base.
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In India, grasslands cover nearly 25% of the country’s land area. These include diverse types such as the alpine meadows in the Himalayas, the chaurs at their base, the terai grasslands along the floodplains of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, the floating phumdis of Manipur (home to the famous “dancing deer”), the dry savannas of central and western India, and the sholas in the Western Ghats.
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Globally, grasslands are known by various names depending on the region. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) notes that they are referred to as ‘savannah’ in Africa, ‘cerrado’ in South America, ‘prairie’ in North America, ‘steppe’ in Central Asia, and ‘meadow’ in the United Kingdom.
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What makes grasslands unique is their resilience — they can continue to grow even after being grazed by animals. This quality allows them to support a diverse range of wildlife. For instance, Kaziranga and Manas host species like the one-horned rhinoceros and wild water buffalo in their moist grasslands, the terai supports swamp deer, and the rare Sangai deer flourishes on the floating islands of Loktak Lake in Manipur.
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Despite their importance, most of India’s grasslands — like its wetlands — lack formal protection. A UNCCD report released last year on rangeland degradation revealed that less than 5% of the country’s grasslands are in protected zones. Furthermore, India’s grassland area reduced significantly from 18 million hectares in 2005 to just 12 million hectares by 2015
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On July 29, Tuesday, authorities released the 2024 summary report titled ‘Status of Tigers in the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve’, based on the Phase IV monitoring efforts carried out across the Eastern Assam, Nagaon, and Biswanath Wildlife Divisions. This assessment was conducted under the directives of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
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The latest count recorded 148 tigers within the reserve — a notable increase from 104 in 2022, 99 in 2018, and 96 in 2014. According to Reserve Director Sonali Ghosh, this growth positions Kaziranga as having the third-highest tiger density globally, following Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand and Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka.
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The monitoring exercise lasted 103 days and employed 293 pairs of camera traps spread over 1,307.49 square kilometres. These traps captured 4,011 tiger images from 242 different sites. Based on the unique stripe patterns on their right flanks, 148 adult tigers were identified — comprising 83 females, 55 males, and 10 whose gender could not be determined.
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While the increase in population is encouraging, the report also highlights ongoing threats to Kaziranga’s tigers, including habitat loss, conflicts with humans, and the impact of expanding agriculture and infrastructure around the reserve
- Kaziranga National Park holds immense ecological, cultural, and conservation significance in India and globally. Located in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, Kaziranga is celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity, particularly as the single largest habitat of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
- In fact, it is home to more than two-thirds of the world's population of this species, making it the cornerstone of rhino conservation in South Asia.
- Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Kaziranga is not just a sanctuary for rhinos but also a thriving ecosystem that supports tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, and numerous bird species.
- It is part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and represents one of the last remaining undisturbed natural areas in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
- What sets Kaziranga apart is its dynamic riverine ecosystem shaped by annual floods, which sustain its vast expanses of grasslands, wetlands, and forests. These natural cycles create ideal conditions for a diverse range of flora and fauna, particularly large herbivores. This, in turn, supports a healthy population of carnivores, including one of the highest tiger densities in the world.
- Kaziranga is also significant from a conservation policy perspective. It is one of the first protected areas in India to implement rigorous anti-poaching strategies and community engagement models. The park’s success in wildlife protection has become a case study in how conservation can be balanced with tourism and local livelihoods.
- Moreover, Kaziranga plays a vital role in climate regulation, water retention, and flood mitigation in the region. It acts as a natural buffer during the Brahmaputra’s monsoon overflow, absorbing excess water and reducing downstream damage. The park is also an important carbon sink, contributing to climate resilience in northeast India.
- In essence, Kaziranga is not just a wildlife reserve; it is a living landscape that reflects the intricate relationship between nature, people, and policy. Its continued protection is essential for maintaining ecological balance, conserving endangered species, and supporting the broader environmental and economic health of the region
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India. It was established in 2006 under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended by the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006
- The NTCA was created to strengthen tiger conservation efforts in India and to implement the Project Tiger program more effectively. Its formation followed concerns about declining tiger populations and the need for a more focused, accountable, and legally empowered body to oversee their protection
- NTCA has the power to issue binding directions to states regarding tiger conservation. It also coordinates with law enforcement agencies, forest departments, and international organizations to curb wildlife crime and illegal trade in tiger parts
- The NTCA plays a central role in India's tiger conservation success, helping the country maintain over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population. Through data-driven conservation, policy advocacy, and strict protection measures, NTCA has helped reverse the decline in tiger numbers, as reflected in the results of All India Tiger Estimations
Key Features of Project Tiger:
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Tiger Reserves:
Specially designated protected areas known as tiger reserves were established. India began with 9 reserves in 1973; as of now (2024), there are over 53 tiger reserves across 18 states. -
Core-Buffer Strategy:
Each tiger reserve is divided into:-
Core Zone: Strictly protected; human activity is prohibited.
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Buffer Zone: Sustainable use area where conservation and local livelihoods coexist.
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Monitoring & Research:
Uses scientific methods like camera traps, pugmark tracking, and radio telemetry. The All India Tiger Estimation is conducted every four years. -
Community Participation:
Local communities are involved through eco-development programs to reduce dependence on forest resources and promote conservation awareness. -
Rehabilitation and Relocation:
Voluntary relocation of villages from core areas to reduce pressure on tiger habitats
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🐅 Tiger’s Conservation Status – Know the Protection Levels!
🔖 Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 🌍 IUCN Red List Classification 🌐 CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) |
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For Prelims: Kaziranga National Park, Indian Forests Act, 1927, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
For Mains:
1. What are the prohibitions for visitors in case of National Parks, Discuss the laws governing National Parks and Tiger reserves
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