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Kaziranga Releases First Scientific Survey of Grassland Birds, Finds Record Diversity
In a groundbreaking step for wildlife conservation in Northeast India, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has released its first-ever Grassland Bird Survey Report, shining a spotlight on the park’s rich and threatened avifaunal diversity. The report, released on July 11 by the Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, identifies Kaziranga as home to the highest diversity of grassland birds ever recorded in India, reaffirming its significance beyond the iconic one-horned rhinoceros and tigers.
Conducted over two months—from March 18 to May 25, 2025—the survey spanned the Eastern Assam, Biswanath, and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions. It documented 43 species of grassland-dependent birds, including one Critically Endangered, two Endangered, and six Vulnerable species, as per the IUCN Red List. The findings make Kaziranga’s floodplain grasslands among the most species-rich habitats for grassland birds in the country.
Among the most thrilling outcomes of the survey is the discovery of a breeding colony of the Endangered Finn’s Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus), locally known as তুকুৰা চৰাই, in the Kohora Range. A master nest-builder and a rarely seen bird, the Finn’s Weaver is considered a “lifer” by birding enthusiasts and an ecological indicator of healthy grasslands. This marks one of the most significant avian discoveries in Kaziranga in recent years.
The survey laid particular emphasis on ten focal species that are either globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains. These include:
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Bengal Florican
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Swamp Francolin
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Finn’s Weaver
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Swamp Grass Babbler
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Jerdon’s Babbler
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Slender-billed Babbler
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Black-breasted Parrotbill
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Marsh Babbler
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Bristled Grassbird
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Indian Grassbird
To ensure comprehensive coverage, the team used a blend of point count surveys and passive acoustic monitoring, a technique that allows for continuous, non-invasive recording of bird calls, especially in areas that are difficult or dangerous to access. This approach was instrumental in detecting shy and cryptic species that are often missed during conventional surveys.
“The use of passive acoustic recorders was a game changer,” said a senior field scientist involved in the survey. “We were able to detect species that rarely show themselves, yet their presence is vital in assessing the health of the grassland ecosystem.”
The report also pinpoints critical grassland habitats within Kaziranga that are supporting robust populations of endemic and threatened bird species. Conservationists now argue that these findings must form the backbone of future habitat management and policy decisions, particularly given the increasing pressures of land-use change, invasive species, and climate variability in the Brahmaputra floodplains.
The survey was a collaborative effort, bringing together frontline forest personnel, conservation biologists, and ornithologists. Eminent experts who contributed to the initiative include Dr. Asad R. Rahmani, Dr. Anwaruddin Choudhury, Dr. Ranjan Kumar Das, Dr. Udayan Borthakur, Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Chiranjib Bora, Dr. Smarajit Ojah, Dr. Biswajit Chakdar, Shyamal Saikia, Hina Brahma, Dr. Leons Mathew Abraham, Sujan Chatterjee, and many others from across India.
Speaking at the release event in Kaziranga, the Environment Minister lauded the park authorities for “documenting the lesser-known but ecologically vital aspects of biodiversity,” and called the report “an essential tool for shaping the future of conservation in floodplain ecosystems.”
Beyond data collection, the report makes a compelling case for long-term ecological monitoring and adaptive management of grassland habitats. Experts warn that without sustained efforts, many of these species could slip into extinction unnoticed, given their small populations and highly specialized habitat needs.
Kaziranga, already globally celebrated for its charismatic megafauna, now emerges as a critical refuge for grassland birds within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. This first-of-its-kind grassland bird report sets a new benchmark for scientific research in protected areas and offers a replicable model for other landscapes across India.
As the region grapples with increasing anthropogenic pressures and ecological uncertainty, this survey serves as a clarion call: that conservation must extend beyond the big mammals to include the often-overlooked avian species, whose presence is equally vital to the integrity of the landscape.
Also Read: DNA Sampling of Rhino Horns Begins in Kaziranga for Forensic and Conservation Use