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India Gazette
14-07-2025
- Science
- India Gazette
Kaziranga's hidden treasures: 1st Grassland Bird Survey reveals thriving diversity
Kaziranga (Assam) [India], July 14 (ANI): Kaziranga National Park's first-ever Grassland Bird Survey has identified 43 species, including one critically endangered, two endangered, and six vulnerable species. The survey also documented several regional endemic birds. In a landmark step for wildlife conservation in Northeast India, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve officially released its First Grassland Bird Survey report, marking a significant milestone in the documentation and protection of grassland-dependent bird species in the Brahmaputra floodplains. Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, said that the extensive survey, conducted between March 18 and May 25, spanned the Eastern Assam, Biswanath, and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions. 'Utilising a combination of point count surveys and passive acoustic monitoring, the initiative represents the first dedicated attempt to assess grassland avifauna across this ecologically critical landscape. A total of 43 grassland bird species were recorded, including 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable species, along with several species endemic to the region, as per the IUCN Red List. The survey placed special emphasis on ten focal species that are either globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains: 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,' Dr Sonali Ghosh said. The Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve further said that the key highlight of the survey was to find the breeding colony of the endangered Finn's Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus). 'This remarkable bird (a LIFER for many birdwatchers), a master nest-builder atop trees, is a vital indicator of grassland health. These species serve as ecological indicators of the health and integrity of floodplain grasslands. A key highlight of the study was the deployment of passive acoustic recorders, enabling non-invasive and continuous monitoring even in inaccessible or high-risk areas. This approach significantly improved species detection, especially of shy and cryptic birds, enhancing the overall accuracy and depth of the findings. The report identifies several critical grassland habitats within Kaziranga that support significant populations of threatened and endemic species. Notably, the discovery of a breeding colony of the Endangered Finn's Weaver in the Kohora Range marks a pivotal finding and reinforces the need for focused habitat protection and management,' Dr Ghosh said. She also said that the report is the result of a collaborative effort by a dedicated team of forest officials, scientists, and conservationists. Expert enumerators included bird experts and scientists such as Dr Asad R Rahmani, Dr Anwar Uddin Choudhury, Dr Ranjan Kumar Das, Dr Udayan Borthakur, Dr Sonali Ghosh, Chiranjib Bora, Dr Smarajit Ojah, Dr Biswajit Chakdar, Shyamal Saikia, Hina Brahma, Dr Leons Mathew Abraham, Sujan Chatterjee, Abidur Rahman, Bitupan Kalita, Arif Hussain, Jugal Borah, Rahul Sarma, Luson Prakash Gogoi, Dipankar Deka, Neeraj Bora, Arun C Vignesh, Khagesh Pegu, and Rajib Hazarika. 'The Survey report was released by the Minister of Environment Forest and Climate change in an event on 11th July at Kaziranga and he appreciated the efforts of the Park authorities to document lesser known aspects of biodiversity in the Park. This report represents an important first step in the long-term conservation of grassland birds. It emphasises the need for continued ecological monitoring and adaptive management to safeguard these fragile ecosystems. This pioneering work reaffirms Kaziranga's stature not only as a stronghold for charismatic megafauna but also as a critical refuge for avian biodiversity within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot,' Dr Sonali Ghosh said. She further added that the report serves as a model for integrating rigorous science into protected area management, offering a replicable template for other landscapes across India and beyond. On the other hand, Assam Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary wrote on X, 'Thrilled to share that Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve's first-ever grassland survey has recorded 43 grassland bird species--including 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable species, plus several regional endemics. The Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem boasts the highest diversity of grassland obligate birds in India, reflecting the habitat's robust health and effective protection. Our commitment to science-backed management continues strong!.' (ANI)
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Assam's Nagshankar becomes model temple for turtle conservation
Nagshankar, in northeastern Assam's Biswanath district, has been designated a model temple for turtle conservation. Local MLA Padma Hazarika acknowledged the temple on behalf of the local authorities and communities at an event on its premises to mark World Turtle Day on Friday (May 23, 2025). The event was organised by the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam State Zoo, Nagshankar Temple Committee, DBT-NER Biotech Hub Chaiduar College, and conservation groups Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) Foundation India, Aaranyak, and Help Earth. Turtles have traditionally been conserved in several temple ponds of Assam as they are believed to be a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. The turtles in the Nagshankar temple complex, cared for by the TSA, are among the best conserved in the State. 'Nagshankar's role in promoting conservation of turtles at the grassroots level makes it a model temple in this regard,' Mr. Hazarika said. Apart from spiritual songs dedicated to turtle conservation, the event featured the release of a freshwater turtle identification brochure for the common people and the acknowledgement of 'Kaso Mitras', or community turtle guardians, for their contributions. 'Turtles are called vultures of the aquatic ecosystem, as they help in keeping the water clean by scavenging on dead and decomposed matter. This is why it is very important to save them,' Anjali Das, the president of Kaso Sakhi, a grassroots women's weavers' group making turtle motif handloom products, said. TSA Foundation India supports this weavers' group. The Nagshankar turtle conservation project sustains 13 species of freshwater turtles. These are the black softshell (Nilssonia nigricans), Indian softshell (Nilssonia gangetica), peacock softshell (Nilssonia hurum), Indian narrow-head softshell (Chitra indica), Indian flapshell (Lisemmys punctata), spotted pond (Geoclemys hamiltonii), Assam roofed (Pangshura sylhetensis), Indian tent (Pangshura tentoria), Indian roofed (Pangshura tecta), brown roofed (Pangshura smithii), Assam leaf (Cyclemys gemeli), tricarinate hill (Melanochelys tricarinata), and Indian black (Melanochelys trijuga) turtle. The black softshell and Assam roofed are critically endangered; the Indian softshell, peacock softshell, Indian narrow-headed softshell, spotted pond, tricarinate hill are endangered; the Indian flapshell and Indian roofed are vulnerable; the brown roofed and Assam leaf are near-threatened; and the Indian tent and Indian black turtle are of least concern, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
AI wall for Pauni proposed to handle man-animal conflict
Nagpur: On the lines of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), an Artificial Intelligence (AI) wall is being proposed for Bhandara to mitigate man-animal conflict. Forest officials are looking at Pauni taluka as the site for the pilot project, because of the increasing incursions of tigers into human AI wall is basically a system of cameras set up along a predefined periphery, and when it captures a tiger on screen an alert message is sent to nearby Gavai, deputy conservator of forest (Bhandara) said, "We are going to propose the AI wall concept to the District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC), as the funding for the same will be required."Gavai's plan has the potential to save human lives as the AI wall gives a 'heads up' to villagers, who can then avoid venturing in that particular area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Sharjah 24
10-02-2025
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Ruler inspects several projects in Kalba
Arab Tiger Reserve project During the tour, His Highness inspected the Arab Tiger Reserve project, which will encompass vast natural areas capable of accommodating dozens of Arab tigers. The reserve will feature strategic viewing points for visitors to observe the tigers in their natural habitat. Located in the Hafyah Mountains of Kalba, the project will span an area of 40 hectares, offering stunning views of the mountains, Kalba City, and the Gulf of Oman. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk around the reserve's perimeter for optimal tiger viewing, alongside shaded trails leading to a natural water area for observing birds and other wildlife. Visitor amenities and integration The reserve will include a welcoming viewing platform and a restaurant overlooking the tiger feeding areas and water ponds, allowing guests to closely observe these majestic animals in their environment. The project will connect with the Hafyah Center for Mountain Environment Conservation, incorporating various service projects, including animal care facilities and educational and recreational buildings for visitors. Al Hiyar Rest Area His Highness also reviewed the Al Hiyar Rest Area project, designed to serve users of the Sharjah-Kalba road. The Rest area will feature 130 diverse retail shops, an outdoor space for product displays, a shaded walkway, and convenient parking. The Rest Area will include amenities such as a children's play area, an outdoor theater, a petting farm, nurseries, horseback riding facilities, and a multipurpose canopy, alongside over 400 parking spaces. Al Hiyar Lake Project The tour included an inspection of Al Hiyar Lake project, which will consist of four main lakes and rest areas equipped with comprehensive facilities. These will include a barbecue area for family and visitor entertainment, a children's play area to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for young ones, and public facilities such as restrooms and other services for user comfort, along with 30 single trailer parking spaces and 60 trailer parking spaces with the rest area.
