Syllabus

GS 3: Environment

Context: 

Recently, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam recorded 43 grassland bird species. 

More on News

• Findings represented rare 'master nest-builder' Finn's Weaver colony.
• For survey they utilis a combination of point count surveys and passive acoustic monitoring.
• Found the breeding colony of Finn’s Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus) it is vital indicator of grassland health. 
• The survey covered the Eastern Assam, Biswanath and Nagaon wildlife divisions. 

Key Findings 

• Among them, 1 is critically endangered, 2 are endangered, 6 are vulnerable and some are only found in the Brahmaputra floodplains.
• They place special emphasis on ten focal species it include 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. 
• This was the park’s first survey of grassland avifauna moving beyond just focusing on megafauna of the whole ecosystem.

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR)

• It is India’s seventh UNESCO world heritage site comprises of three forest Eastern Assam, Bishwanath and Nagaon. 
• It is home to remarkable population of “BIG FIVE”. 
• It comprises 2613 Greater One-horned Rhinoceroses as 2022 census, 104 Tiger in 2022, 1228 Elephant in 2024, 2565 Water Buffalos in 2022 and 1129 Swamp Deer recorded in 2022.

About Kaziranga Grasslands (Finn’s Weaver)

• It is a biodiversity hotspot known for its rich flora and fauna now further highlighted by its diverse birdlife.
• Finn’s Weaver is an indicator species for grassland its presence denotes intact, functioning grassland ecosystems.
• Finn’s Weaver is listed as Near Threatened (IUCN).
• Grassland birds maintain ecosystem health by controlling insect population, seed dispersal and vegetation modification.

Challenges in Conserving Kaziranga’s Grassland Habitats 

• Expansion of agriculture and settlement.
• Changing rainfall patterns due to climate change.
• Frequent flooding in Kaziranga alters habitat affect breeding and nesting cycles of the birds.

Conservation Policy for Kaziranga

• Focus on landscape level conservation through National wildlife action plan
• Implementation of India’s obligations under the CBD.
• Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats and protection of endangered species in their critical habitats.
• Species-specific flagship programmes focusing on habitat conservation and protection from poaching.
• This will help India to achieve its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-15: Life on Land. 

Source:

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/assam/assams-kaziranga-records-43-species-of-grassland-birds-master-nest-builder-finns-weaver-colony-found-3630057 https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/kazirangas-first-grassland-bird-survey-records-43-species-finds-rare-finns-weaver-colony-1244498-2025-07-14