Why In The News?

• The first-ever Grassland Bird Census in Kaziranga National Park was conducted between March 18 and May 25, 2025, involving forest officials, scientists, and conservationists.
• Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam.
• It has the largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses worldwide.

Key points about the census:

Methodology:

• Traditional bird counting methods are ineffective for many small, camouflaged grassland birds.
• The recordings were analyzed using spectrograms and machine learning software called Birdnet to identify species.

Species Surveyed:

• The survey focused on 10 priority species that are either endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains or globally threatened, among these were the Bengal Florican, Swamp Francolin, Finn’s Weaver, and Black-breasted Parrotbill.
• A breeding colony of over 85 nests of the endangered Finn’s Weaver was discovered.

Ecological Importance:

• Grassland birds are indicators of ecosystem health.
• Their presence shows the habitats are balanced and thriving.
• The census helps authorities understand biodiversity status and plan targeted conservation strategies.