Grassland Bird Survey Report

The first-ever Grassland Bird Survey conducted at Kaziranga National Park provides insights into the grassland ecosystems and their health.

• Survey Findings:

  • 43 Grassland Species were recorded across the park’s three wildlife divisions.

  • The Finn’s weaver (IUCN status: Endangered) has been reported to be breeding successfully in the park. This bird, locally known as tukura chorai, plays a critical role in monitoring grassland health.

  • The Finn’s weaver is known for building its nests on top of trees, making it a unique species in the park’s grassland ecosystem.

Significance of the Survey

• Grassland Health: The Finn’s weaver serves as a crucial indicator species for the overall health of grasslands, which are essential for supporting numerous other wildlife species.

• Conservation Implications: This successful breeding event points to a positive trend in the park's grassland management and may encourage further conservation efforts focused on protecting this delicate ecosystem.

About Kaziranga National Park

• Location: Located in the northeastern state of Assam, India, Kaziranga is situated in the Brahmaputra floodplain, making it a critical ecosystem for wildlife conservation.

• Size and Heritage: It is the largest undisturbed area in the Brahmaputra Valley and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

• Terrain: The park consists of tall elephant grass, marshes, shallow pools, rugged reeds, and swamplands, making it a dynamic landscape for various species to thrive.

• Rivers: The Diffalu River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flows through the park, providing critical water sources and shaping the landscape, with Moradifalu marking its southern boundary.

Flora and Fauna

• Flora: The park is known for its dense and tall elephant grasses, mixed with swamplands, and an abundant growth of water lilies, water hyacinths, and lotus.

• Fauna:

  • Endangered Species: Kaziranga hosts some of the most iconic species, such as the one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and buffalo.

  • Other Mammals: Species like the Hoolock gibbon, Capped langur, and Gangetic river dolphin also make the park their home.

  • Kaziranga is particularly known for its large population of one-horned rhinoceroses, making it a major wildlife hotspot.