Context:
A landmark bird survey conducted in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam, between March 18 and May 25, 2025, has documented 43 species of grassland birds, underlining the ecological richness of the Brahmaputra floodplain’s wet grasslands.
Key Highlights:
- Species Recorded:
- Total grassland bird species: 43
- Critically Endangered: Bengal florican
- Endangered: Finn’s weaver, swamp grass babbler
- Vulnerable (6 species):
- Black-breasted parrotbill
- Marsh babbler
- Swamp francolin
- Jerdon’s babbler
- Slender-billed babbler
- Bristled grassbird
Kaziranga National Park (KNP)
Kaziranga National Park (KNP), located in Assam, spans the districts of Golaghat, Sonitpur, Biswanath, and Nagaon. It is globally renowned for its efforts in wildlife conservation, especially of the Indian rhinoceros.
Key Highlights:
- Location & Ranges:
- Situated in Assam with 5 administrative ranges, KNP is a critical biodiversity hotspot on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity zone.
- Established in 1 June 1905.
- Indian Rhinoceros Population:
- Hosts two-thirds of the world’s Indian rhinoceros population.
- 2018 Census: Total rhino count stood at 2,613, including:
- Tiger Reserve Status:
- Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006 under Project Tiger.
- Hosts a significant tiger population alongside other megafauna.
- Other Major Wildlife:
- Elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer are also found in large breeding populations.
- Ecological Significance:
- Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Declared an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
- Landscape includes tall elephant grass, marshes, moist tropical forests, and four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra.
- Cultural Importance:
- Inspired books, songs, and documentaries.
- Celebrated 100 years in 2005 since being established as a Reserve Forest in 1905.
