Prelims: Current events of national and international importance -Science and Technology.
Why in News?
Recently, the first ever grassland birds census was conducted in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam.
- Conducted across - 185 grassland points within KNPTR
- Major Findings of the census
- Species under threat - Identified 43 species which are under threat in other major bird habitats in the country due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
- Identified - 1 critically endangered species, 2 endangered, 6 vulnerable and 1 species in near threatened category.
- Habitat analysis - Birds occupy a variety of grassland ecosystems, with tall, wet grasslands.
- Other common habitats included tall grasslands, short grass/open fields & scrub grasslands.
- Richest grassland habitats in India - Maharashtra, Gujarat, and West Bengal are among the richest in terms of grassland bird diversity in India.
- Threats - Habitat loss and fragmentation.
- Emphasis on - 10 focal species that are either globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains. These birds are:-
- 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 breeding colony of Finn’s Weaver was particularly documented.
Quick facts
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Finn’s weaver
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- Locally called - ‘Tukura sorai’
- Scientific name - Ploceus megarhynchus
- IUCN status – Endangered.
- This remarkable bird is a LIFER for many birdwatchers
- Indicator - Serve as ecological indicators of the health and integrity of floodplain grasslands.
- Habitat - Nest-builder atop trees.
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A Lifer Bird refers to a bird species that a birder sees and identifies for the first time in their life.
Reference
Deccan Herald| Grassland Bird Census in Kaziranga
