India Conducts First-Ever Grassland Bird Census at Kaziranga National Park and Records 43 Species.
National
Between 18 March and 25 May 2025, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam executed India’s first dedicated Grassland Bird Census. Spanning across 185 grassland sites in the Eastern Assam, Biswanath, and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions, the survey employed innovative methods like passive acoustic monitoring and point count surveys to document grassland bird species that are seldom studied in India’s floodplain ecosystems.
- The survey identified 43 species of grassland-dependent birds, including one Critically Endangered, two Endangered, and six Vulnerable species, as classified under the IUCN Red List. This places Kaziranga among India’s top habitats for grassland bird diversity.
- Special emphasis was placed on ten priority species that are globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains: 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—all identified during the census.
- A major highlight was the discovery of a breeding colony of the endangered Finn’s Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus), locally known as Tukura Sorai. Over 85 nests were found in the Kohora Range, making it a landmark finding and indicator of healthy grassland ecosystems.
Main Point :- (i) The census utilized passive acoustic recorders, placed in tall grassland trees to capture bird calls during the breeding season. These sound recordings were analyzed using AI tools like BirdNET, allowing non-invasive identification even in remote or difficult terrain areas.
(ii) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his “Mann Ki Baat” broadcast (July 2025), lauded the use of AI-driven methodology and noted how over 40 rare grassland bird species were recorded without disturbing their natural habitat, highlighting the successful blend of technology and conservation.
(iii) The census report, released on 11 July 2025 by the Environment Minister, underscores the need for long-term ecological monitoring, adaptive habitat management, and focus on lesser-studied grassland avifauna. It also establishes a template for future grassland conservation efforts nationwide, bringing avian diversity into focus alongside Kaziranga’s famed megafauna.
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