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The Hindu
3 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Kaziranga records high diversity of grassland bird species
GUWAHATI Researchers have found a great diversity of grassland bird species in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. In the first such survey of avians conducted between March 18 and May 25, a team of forest officials, bird experts, scientists, and conservationists recorded 43 grassland species across Kaziranga's three wildlife divisions. The survey report was released on Monday (July 14, 2025), marking a milestone in the documentation and protection of grassland-dependent bird species in the Brahmaputra floodplains. They included the critically endangered Bengal florican, the endangered Finn's weaver, and the swamp grass babbler. Among the remaining 40 species, six were in the vulnerable category — the black-breasted parrotbill, marsh babbler, swamp francolin, Jerdon's babbler, slender-billed babbler, and bristled grassbird. Grassland health 'A highlight of this survey is that the Finn's weaver, locally known as tukura chorai, is breeding successfully. This remarkable bird, a master nest-builder atop trees, is a vital indicator of grassland health,' Assam's Environment Minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary, said while releasing the report. The 1,174 sq. km Kaziranga is a mix of grasslands, forestlands, and wetlands. 'The study is significant because wet grasslands are not very well surveyed in India. Kaziranga's grassland bird diversity can, thus, be compared in terms of species richness with the dry grasslands of Gujarat and Rajasthan,' the national park's director, Sonali Ghosh, said. 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. One such habitat is the park's Kohora Range, where a breeding colony of the Finn's weaver was spotted.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Spurt in evictions: Assam eyes to reclaim encroached forest land
Guwahati: Assam is carrying out large-scale eviction drives in its forest lands for several interrelated reasons, driven by ecological, legal, and social imperatives with the objective of reclaiming vast tracts of encroached land. According to the Union environment ministry's report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the state's total forest area under encroachment was 3,620.9 square kilometers (3,62,090 ha) as of March 2024, making it the second highest among all Indian states and Union Territories, after Madhya Pradesh. The eviction drives in forest lands are primarily motivated by the need to reduce human-wildlife conflict, comply with judicial orders, restore ecological balance, reclaim land for public use, and enforce land laws. These efforts are complex and often controversial, reflecting the intersection of conservation priorities, legal mandates, and social dynamics. The biggest impact of the unabetted encroachment of forest lands for decades in the state has been on wildlife habitats, resulting into high incidence of human-animal conflict, particularly with elephant. Assam, particularly districts like Goalpara, has some of the highest rates of human-elephant conflict in India where encroachment into forest areas disrupts elephant corridors and habitats, leading to frequent and sometimes fatal encounters between humans and wildlife. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [화제] 150cm엄마,170아빠 이거먹고 우리아이는 180cm됐습니다! 3개월만에8cm성장 더 알아보기 Undo The eviction drives also aim to reclaim forest land to restore ecological integrity, protect biodiversity, and ensure the survival of endangered species by reviving degraded habitats. The Gauhati high court has explicitly directed the Assam govt to clear encroachments from protected forest areas. These orders often follow petitions highlighting the impact of encroachment on wildlife and forest conservation. The NGT has also mandated updated reporting and action on forest encroachment, further compelling the state to act. In some cases, land cleared of encroachment is earmarked for public infrastructure projects, such as power plants, which the government argues are for regional development and public welfare. According to data given by forest minister Chandra Mohan Patowary in assembly last March, of the total forest land under encroachment, over 83,000 ha are encroached by neighbouring states, over 2,50,000 ha by people of the state, and over 1,000 ha by tea gardens. Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently said over 25,000 ha (more than 10,000 ha) of encroached land has been cleared in last four years. Since the BJP govt came to power in Assam in 2016, eviction drives targeting forest land, govt land, and religious places have increased dramatically compared to previous administrations. The govt cites restoration of ecological balance, curbing human-elephant conflict, and removal of illegal immigrants as primary reasons. Many eviction drives have been conducted under direct court orders or PILs, especially after a 2015 Gauhati HC directive to clear encroachments from Kaziranga National Park. The drives have been criticized for disproportionately targeting minority (especially Bangladesh-origin Muslim) communities, and for lack of rehabilitation and short notice periods.
Hans India
02-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Assam's 'Gaja Mitra' to help curb human-elephant conflict
Guwahati: In a move to curb the escalating human-elephant conflict in Assam, authorities have launched 'Gaja Mitra', a dedicated initiative aimed at protecting both local communities and the state's majestic elephants. The programme is being rolled out across five of the most affected districts -- Goalpara, Baksa, Udalguri, Sonitpur, and Nagaon -- where frequent elephant incursions have led to crop damage, property loss, and sometimes, tragic human and animal fatalities. The Gaja Mitra initiative takes a multi-pronged approach. One of its core strategies is ecological, focusing on the creation of greener, more hospitable forests to ensure elephants have ample food and migratory corridors within the wild. By restoring natural habitats, officials hope to reduce the need for elephants to venture into human settlements in search of food. Technology, too, plays a key role. AI-powered camera traps have been deployed as silent sentinels throughout the forests, capable of detecting elephant movement and sending real-time alerts to nearby villages. This smart surveillance system aims to provide communities with enough time to prepare, react, or evacuate if necessary, reducing the risk of surprise encounters. To protect livelihoods, Gaja Mitra also emphasises 'Protecting Paddy' by enhancing the procurement of crops in high-risk areas. This ensures that farmers do not bear the financial brunt when elephants forage through their fields. Additionally, trained Gaja Mitra teams -- comprising local volunteers -- will act as community liaisons. These teams will raise awareness, respond to alerts, and serve as vital links between forest departments and villagers, embodying the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, or people's participation. With a blend of ecology, technology, and community engagement, Gaja Mitra signals a compassionate shift in conservation, where coexistence, not conflict, takes centre stage. Assam Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary recently said that more than 70 people and 80 jumbos on average die every year in human-elephant conflict in the state. According to an official, when more people occupy the elephants' natural habitats, the animals are forced to leave their homes in search of food, which results in confrontation with people. He said there are currently more than 5,700 elephants living in the state.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Kaziranga's orchid wealth: New botanical survey records 70 species across 36 genera
1 2 Guwahati: A recent orchid survey in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve revealed significant findings, marking a shift from animal-centric to botanical research. The assessment documented 70 distinct orchid species across 36 genera, positioning it as a leading orchid conservation location in northeast India. This botanical finding augments Kaziranga's established status, previously known primarily for its wildlife diversity. The research results demonstrate the effectiveness of preservation efforts while highlighting the park's function in safeguarding both flora and fauna diversity. State environment, forest & climate change minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said in a social media post, "Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve just got even more amazing! A recent survey revealed 70 species of orchids across 36 genera — making it one of the richest orchid collections in Northeast India. This vibrant floral discovery adds a new layer to Kaziranga's already iconic wildlife. A true testament to the park's thriving biodiversity and unwavering conservation efforts!" The systematic documentation of Kaziranga's floristic and faunal assemblages produced noteworthy results. The survey team, headed by orchid conservationist Khyanjeet Gogoi and range officers Bibit Dihingia (Bagori) and Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi (Kohora), conducted a visual survey and reported new records, especially for grassland and woodland areas. The survey recorded 70 orchid species across 36 genera, comprising 46 species that are epiphytes and 24 that are terrestrial species. Notable discoveries include Acanthophippium sylhetense, Aerides odorata, Biermannia bimaculata, Bulbophyllum ornatissimum, Cleisostoma appendiculatum, Dendrobium jenkinsii, Eulophia kamarupa, Peristylus constrictus, Phalaenopsis mannii, and Zeuxine membranacea.
Miami Herald
10-03-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Elusive predator — covered in ‘clouds' — seen on trail camera in India. See the animal
In the eastern Himalayas, snowcapped mountains stick out from rugged forests, and the towering peaks touch the clouds. But for one species of rarely-seen predator in the region, 'clouds' come down to them and adorn their fluffy coat. A clouded leopard was recently spotted on trail cameras set up by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in Assam, India, according to a March 6 Facebook post from the agency's minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary. 'Thrilling conservation update! Our camera trap inside Dehing Patkai National Park has just captured a rare and remarkable sighting of a clouded leopard,' Patowary wrote in the post. 'Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a shy and elusive big cat found across the forests of the eastern Himalayas, northeast India and southeast Asia.' There are estimated to be fewer than 5,580 adult clouded leopards left in the wild, according to the IUCN Red List, and their numbers are decreasing across their geographic range. Clouded leopards are 'one of the most ancient cat species' and earn their name from the 'distinctive 'clouds'' pattern on their pelt, according to Nature. They are larger than house cats, but small compared to big cat species like panthers and tigers, Nature says. Females can weigh as little as 22 pounds while males can reach weights upward of 50 pounds. Clouded leopards are perfectly adapted for a life in the forest and have specialized anklebones and footpads that allow them to be one of the few cat species that can go down trees headfirst, according to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Despite their name, clouded leopards are not a leopard at all, and belong to their own species, the Smithsonian said. They also have a different bone structure in their neck that prevents them from roaring or purring like other cats, and they are restricted to growling, hissing and chuffing to communicate. Clouded leopards are threatened by deforestation and poaching, as land is cleared for palm oil agriculture and they are hunted for their teeth, pelt and bones used in some traditional medicine, according to the Smithsonian. Dehing Patkai National Park is in Assam, one of the northeastern-most districts of India.
