Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, globally celebrated for its one-horned rhinoceroses and Bengal tigers, has achieved another major milestone in biodiversity conservation. The park has released findings from its first-ever Grassland Bird Survey, revealing the presence of 43 species of grassland birds, including one critically endangered, two endangered, and six vulnerable species, as well as several birds endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains. Conducted between March 18 and May 25, 2025, the extensive survey spanned the Eastern Assam, Biswanath, and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions, marking the first time Kaziranga has systematically assessed its grassland avifauna. This effort is being hailed by conservationists as a critical step in shifting focus from the park’s iconic megafauna to the lesser-known but ecologically vital bird species that inhabit its vast floodplain grasslands. “This initiative represents the first dedicated attempt to assess grassland birdlife in this ecologically significant landscape,” said Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park. “Using a mix of point count surveys and passive acoustic monitoring, our team was able to document 43 unique species, several of which are difficult to observe in traditional surveys.”
Among the most remarkable findings was the discovery of a breeding colony of the endangered Finn’s Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus) in the Kohora Range. Known for its reclusive nature and intricate nesting behavior, the Finn’s Weaver is often elusive, making its confirmed presence a major highlight of the study.“This bird is not only rare but also a vital indicator of grassland health,” Dr Ghosh noted. “Its shy behavior and nesting high in trees often make it a once-in-a-lifetime sighting for even seasoned birdwatchers.”The survey prioritized ten globally or regionally important species, including the Bengal Florican, Swamp Francolin, Swamp Grass Babbler, Jerdon’s Babbler, and the Black-breasted Parrotbill, among others. These birds are not only threatened but also rely heavily on undisturbed grassland habitats that are increasingly under pressure from human activity and changing environmental conditions. A unique aspect of the survey was its use of passive acoustic recorders, allowing round-the-clock, non-invasive monitoring of bird calls. This method enabled researchers to detect elusive, cryptic species even in remote or difficult-to-access areas of the park.
The effort was the result of multi-institutional collaboration between experienced ornithologists, forest officials, and leading experts in conservation science. Contributors included Dr Asad R. Rahmani, Dr Anwar Uddin Choudhury, Dr Udayan Borthakur, Dr Ranjan Kumar Das, and Dr Smarajit Ojah, all of whom brought decades of experience in avian research and ecology. The final report, released on July 11 by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change during a special event at Kaziranga, has been praised as a landmark in ecological documentation.“This report is not just a record; it’s a call to action,” Dr Ghosh said. “It provides a strong case for continued monitoring, adaptive habitat management, and policy support to conserve our fragile grassland ecosystems.”Assam Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary also expressed his appreciation on social media, stating, “Thrilled to share that Kaziranga’s first-ever grassland survey has recorded 43 grassland bird species—including 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable species. This proves our commitment to science-backed conservation remains stronger than ever.”