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Indian Express
4 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Grassland bird census in Kaziranga: What was special about this survey, which PM Modi talked about
In his Mann ki Baat radio programme on Sunday (July 27), Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a 'first-ever grassland bird census' in Assam's Kaziranga National Park and the technology used for this. What is this 'bird census', what was the methodology involved, and what are the concerns surrounding grassland birds? Between March 18 and May 25, a survey to record the grassland bird population in Kaziranga National Park was undertaken by a team of forest officials, scientists, and conservationists. It all began when a doctoral student Chiranjib Bora, who is studying the threatened grassland bird Black-breasted parrotbill, received the INSPIRE fellowship from the central government's Department of Science & Technology, along with acoustic monitoring tools to conduct his research. He and the Kaziranga authorities then decided to use the tools to count all grassland bird species in the national park, 70% of which is covered by grasslands. 'Our main goal was to monitor what grassland bird species live in Kaziranga. Most of the grassland bird species have become rare. These are small and well-camouflaged birds that are not easily spotted, unlike wetland birds. Also, they live in peculiar habitats that are rapidly declining,' said Bora. The survey prioritised 10 species that are either 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. Including these, it recorded a total of 43 grassland bird species, including 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable species, according to the IUCN Red List. What was the methodology and why was it unique? According to Kaziranga National Park Director Dr. Sonali Ghosh, the use of passive acoustic recording monitoring was the highlight of the survey. 'Surveying these small, shy, and highly camouflaged birds is very difficult using traditional methods like visual counting. So, the acoustic recorders were placed in tall trees near grasslands during the breeding season of the birds, between March and May. This is the season when they are very vocal, calling out for mates and with males defending territory. The instruments recorded all the birds singing in the landscape,' she said. Bora said that different tools were then used to identify the birds based on the recordings. 'After recording for three consecutive days, we removed the recorders and analysed those sound files. If the sound was not identifiable, we used software to create a spectrogram, which is a graphical representation of the sound, to aid us in identifying. We also used a tool called Birdnet, which uses machine learning to try and identify species by bird song. We covered 29 locations in the national park using six recorders,' he said. What is the significance of the findings? Dr. Ghosh called grassland birds 'an indicator of good health' of an ecosystem, likening them to indicators such as BMI for human health. 'The presence of these birds tells us that the habitat is healthy,' she said. The national park authorities have been particularly excited by the discovery of a breeding colony of the endangered Finn's Weaver, which is endemic to the Brahmaputra flood plain. 'They nest on the tops of trees but till now, we had not known where they had been nesting. During the survey we found a colony of over 85 nests in Kaziranga,' she said. What are the threats to the habitats of grassland birds? Bora said that in the past four decades, Assam has lost around 70% of its grasslands. 'There are anthropogenic factors such as overgrazing and clearing of grasslands for cultivation. But there is also a natural phenomenon called ecological succession, which is basically an instinct for grasslands to gradually transition to forests. Among the 10 species we had prioritized, three are endemic to the grasslands of the North East, which means that if they vanish from here, they become extinct,' he said. Climate change also contributes to these concerns. 'It is a cause of worry. If we look at some species, for instance, the Bengal florican, we used to see a lot more of them, but this time we could detect only one or two. Further study can tell us if the decline is influenced by climate change or other factors,' said Dr. Ghosh.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
43 species make Kaziranga leading grassland bird habitat
Guwahati: Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) emerged as a leading grassland bird habitat in India after 43 such species, including one critically endangered, two endangered, and six vulnerable ones,were identified in the inaugural grassland bird survey at the park. This establishes Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) as a leading grassland bird habitat in India, park officials said on Monday. A total of 43 grassland bird species were recorded, along with several species endemic to the region, as per the IUCN Red List. The publication of KNPTR's first grassland bird survey report marks a vital step in wildlife conservation across the northeast. This detailed documentation acts as an essential reference for understanding and protecting bird species dependent on the Brahmaputra floodplains' grassland ecosystems. "Thrilled to share that @kaziranga_'s first-ever grassland survey recorded 43 grassland bird species—including 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable species, plus several regional endemics. The Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem boasts the highest diversity of grassland obligate birds in India, reflecting the habitat's robust health and effective protection. Our commitment to science-backed management continues strong!" state forest minister Chandra Mohan Patowary wrote on X on Monday. Patowary expressed satisfaction regarding the endangered Finn's Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus), known locally as tukura chorai, successfully breeding in Kaziranga. "This remarkable bird, a LIFER for birdwatchers, is also a master nest-builder atop trees, and is a vital indicator of grassland health. A proud moment for conservation and habitat management!" Patowary added. KNPTR field director Sonali Ghosh highlighted that the survey concentrated on ten focal 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. Ghosh noted the significant discovery of the endangered Finn's Weaver breeding colony at Kaziranga. "This remarkable bird (a LIFER for many birdwatchers), a master nest-builder atop trees, is a vital indicator of grassland health," she said. The recorded species function as ecological indicators of floodplain grasslands' health and integrity. The study utilised passive acoustic recorders for non-invasive monitoring in difficult-to-access areas, improving detection of elusive birds and enhancing result accuracy. The report establishes a foundation for long-term grassland bird conservation and emphasises continued ecological monitoring. "This pioneering work reaffirms Kaziranga's stature not only as a stronghold for charismatic megafauna but also as a critical refuge for avian biodiversity within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot," Ghosh added. She said the report demonstrates the integration of scientific methods in protected area management, providing a framework for other landscapes. The report resulted from collaboration between forest officials, scientists, and conservationists and numerous other specialists.
India Gazette
14-07-2025
- Science
- India Gazette
Kaziranga's hidden treasures: 1st Grassland Bird Survey reveals thriving diversity
Kaziranga (Assam) [India], July 14 (ANI): Kaziranga National Park's first-ever Grassland Bird Survey has identified 43 species, including one critically endangered, two endangered, and six vulnerable species. The survey also documented several regional endemic birds. In a landmark step for wildlife conservation in Northeast India, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve officially released its First Grassland Bird Survey report, marking a significant milestone in the documentation and protection of grassland-dependent bird species in the Brahmaputra floodplains. Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, said that the extensive survey, conducted between March 18 and May 25, spanned the Eastern Assam, Biswanath, and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions. 'Utilising a combination of point count surveys and passive acoustic monitoring, the initiative represents the first dedicated attempt to assess grassland avifauna across this ecologically critical landscape. A total of 43 grassland bird species were recorded, including 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable species, along with several species endemic to the region, as per the IUCN Red List. The survey placed special emphasis on ten focal species that are either 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,' Dr Sonali Ghosh said. The Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve further said that the key highlight of the survey was to find the breeding colony of the endangered Finn's Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus). 'This remarkable bird (a LIFER for many birdwatchers), a master nest-builder atop trees, is a vital indicator of grassland health. These species serve as ecological indicators of the health and integrity of floodplain grasslands. A key highlight of the study was the deployment of passive acoustic recorders, enabling non-invasive and continuous monitoring even in inaccessible or high-risk areas. This approach significantly improved species detection, especially of shy and cryptic birds, enhancing the overall accuracy and depth of the findings. The report identifies several critical grassland habitats within Kaziranga that support significant populations of threatened and endemic species. Notably, the discovery of a breeding colony of the Endangered Finn's Weaver in the Kohora Range marks a pivotal finding and reinforces the need for focused habitat protection and management,' Dr Ghosh said. She also said that the report is the result of a collaborative effort by a dedicated team of forest officials, scientists, and conservationists. Expert enumerators included bird experts and scientists such as Dr Asad R Rahmani, Dr Anwar Uddin 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, Abidur Rahman, Bitupan Kalita, Arif Hussain, Jugal Borah, Rahul Sarma, Luson Prakash Gogoi, Dipankar Deka, Neeraj Bora, Arun C Vignesh, Khagesh Pegu, and Rajib Hazarika. 'The Survey report was released by the Minister of Environment Forest and Climate change in an event on 11th July at Kaziranga and he appreciated the efforts of the Park authorities to document lesser known aspects of biodiversity in the Park. This report represents an important first step in the long-term conservation of grassland birds. It emphasises the need for continued ecological monitoring and adaptive management to safeguard these fragile ecosystems. This pioneering work reaffirms Kaziranga's stature not only as a stronghold for charismatic megafauna but also as a critical refuge for avian biodiversity within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot,' Dr Sonali Ghosh said. She further added that the report serves as a model for integrating rigorous science into protected area management, offering a replicable template for other landscapes across India and beyond. On the other hand, Assam Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary wrote on X, 'Thrilled to share that Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve's first-ever grassland survey has recorded 43 grassland bird species--including 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable species, plus several regional endemics. The Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem boasts the highest diversity of grassland obligate birds in India, reflecting the habitat's robust health and effective protection. Our commitment to science-backed management continues strong!.' (ANI)
Hans India
14-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Assam: Critically endangered among 43 grassland bird species spotted in Kaziranga
In a significant development, a recent survey at the famed Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam recorded a total of 43 grassland bird species, officials announced on Monday. The 43 grassland bird species included one critically endangered, two endangered, and six vulnerable species, along with several species endemic to the region as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that the survey, conducted between March 18 and May 25, placed special emphasis on ten focal species that are either globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains. These threatened or endemic species include, 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. The KNPTR Director said the first grassland bird survey report marked a significant milestone in the documentation and protection of grassland-dependent bird species in the Brahmaputra floodplains. The extensive survey spanned the Eastern Assam, Biswanath, and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions, she said, adding that utilising a combination of point count surveys and passive acoustic monitoring, the initiative represents the first dedicated attempt to assess grassland avifauna across this ecologically critical landscape. Assam's Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary expressed his deep satisfaction over the recording of 43 grassland bird species. In a post on the X, the Minister said: 'Thrilled to share that Kaziranga's first-ever grassland survey has recorded 43 grassland bird species, including one critically endangered, two endangered, and six vulnerable species, plus several regional endemics.' He said: 'The Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem boasts the highest diversity of grassland obligate birds in India, reflecting the habitat's robust health and effective protection. Our commitment to science-backed management continues strong !' The KNPTR Director Ghosh said that the key highlight of the survey was to find the breeding colony of the endangered Finn's Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus) at Kaziranga. This remarkable bird (a lifer for many birdwatchers), a master nest-builder atop trees, is a vital indicator of grassland health, the senior Indian Forest Service officer said. According to Ghosh, these species serve as ecological indicators of the health and integrity of floodplain grasslands. Another significance of the outcome of the study was the deployment of passive acoustic recorders, enabling non-invasive and continuous monitoring even in inaccessible or high-risk areas, she said. Ghosh said that the report identifies several critical grassland habitats within Kaziranga that support significant populations of threatened and endemic species. Notably, the discovery of a breeding colony of the Endangered Finn's Weaver in the Kohora Range marks a pivotal finding and reinforces the need for focused habitat protection and management. The report is the result of a collaborative effort by a dedicated team of forest officials, bird experts, scientists, and conservationists, the official said. The survey report was released by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary in an event at Kaziranga. The Minister appreciated the efforts of the Park authorities to document lesser-known aspects of biodiversity in the Park. The KNPTR Director said that this report represents an important first step in the long-term conservation of grassland birds and emphasised the need for continued ecological monitoring and adaptive management to safeguard these fragile ecosystems. This pioneering work reaffirms Kaziranga's stature not only as a stronghold for charismatic megafauna but also as a critical refuge for avian biodiversity within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, she stated. The KNPTR, India's seventh UNESCO World Heritage site, comprises three forest divisions -- the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Bokakhat; the Bishwanath Wildlife Division, Biswanath Chariali; and the Nagaon Wildlife Division, Nagaon. Home to a remarkable population of the "Big Five," it comprises 2,613 Greater One-horned Rhinoceroses as of the 2022 census, 104 Bengal Tigers in 2022, 1,228 Asian Elephants in 2024, 2,565 Wild Water Buffalos in 2022, and 1,129 Eastern Swamp Deer also recorded in 2022.
