Grassland Birds Census

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

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