Kaziranga National Park Unveils First Grassland Bird Survey Report

Kaziranga National Park has made a significant advancement in bird conservation with the release of its first Grassland Bird Survey Report. Conducted over two months, the survey identified 43 grassland bird species, including critically endangered and vulnerable species. The report emphasizes the importance of specific habitats and highlights the discovery of a breeding colony of the endangered Finn’s Weaver. This collaborative effort by conservationists and scientists aims to enhance the protection of these vital ecosystems. The report was officially launched by key officials, marking a pivotal moment for wildlife conservation in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 15, 2025, 12:50 IST

Significant Milestone in Bird Conservation

Kaziranga, July 15: The authority of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has officially published its inaugural ‘Grassland Bird Survey Report’, representing a crucial step in the documentation and conservation of bird species reliant on grassland habitats within the Brahmaputra floodplains.

This survey, conducted from March 18 to May 25 of this year, encompassed the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, the Biswanath Wildlife Division, and the Nagaon Wildlife Division.

A total of 43 grassland bird species were identified, which included one species classified as ‘Critically Endangered’, two as ‘Endangered’, and six as ‘Vulnerable’, alongside various species unique to the region, according to the IUCN Red List.

The survey focused on ten key species that are either globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains. These species include the 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.

A primary goal of the survey was to locate the breeding colonies of the endangered Finn’s Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus) within Kaziranga. These birds are vital ecological indicators of the health and integrity of floodplain grasslands.

The report has pinpointed several essential grassland habitats in Kaziranga that sustain significant populations of threatened and endemic species. Notably, the identification of a breeding colony of the endangered Finn’s Weaver in the Kohora (Kaziranga) Range is a groundbreaking discovery, underscoring the necessity for targeted habitat protection and management.

This report is the culmination of a collaborative effort involving a dedicated team of forest officials, scientists, and conservationists, including Dr. Asad R Rahmani, Dr. Anwar Uddin Choudhury, Dr. Ranjan Kumar Das, Dr. Udayan Borthakur, Dr. Sonali Ghosh (field director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve), Chiranjib Bora, Dr. Samarjit 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 (DFO of Kaziranga), Khagesh Pegu, and Rajib Hazarika.

The survey report was unveiled by Assam’s Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Chandra Mohan Patowary, along with the MP from Kaziranga HPC, Kamakhaya Prasad Tasa, during an event held recently at Kaziranga.