Online Classes
1. Why have the Grasslands in Manas National Park declined?
Grasslands in Manas have shrunk by nearly 50% in the last three decades, and climate change plays a central role. Rising temperatures and irregular rainfall have altered the natural growth cycle of grasses. For example, shorter monsoon spells reduce the time grasslands can regenerate, while prolonged dry periods lead to soil degradation. On the other hand, intense rainfall events promote the rapid growth of invasive shrubs and trees, which quickly replace native grasses. Additionally, floods from rivers like Beki and Manas, intensified by climate shifts, deposit silt and debris, making it harder for grasses to re-establish. Combined with the spread of invasive species such as Mikania micrantha (mile-a-minute weed), these changes have accelerated the conversion of grasslands into woodlands.
2. Why are grasslands important in Manas National Park?
Grasslands are vital grazing grounds for species such as swamp deer, hog deer, wild buffalo, and elephants. For example, the Bengal florican, a critically endangered bird, survives only in open grassland stretches, making their preservation essential.
3. How has the shrinking grassland impacted wildlife?
As grasslands decline, animals like sambar and hog deer are forced into smaller grazing zones, increasing competition. For instance, rhinos and buffaloes now congregate in limited patches, making them more vulnerable to food scarcity and disease.
4. What is the unique biodiversity value of Manas National Park’s grasslands?
Manas is the only place on Earth where species such as the greater one-horned rhinoceros, pygmy hog, hispid hare, wild buffalo, Bengal florican, tiger, and elephant coexist in the same habitat. For example, the pygmy hog, the smallest wild pig, survives only in these tall grasslands.
5. What measures are being taken to restore the grasslands?
Authorities and NGOs have designed a 10-year Grassland Management Action Plan (GMAP). For example, controlled burning is proposed to prevent tree encroachment, and removal of invasive weeds like Mikania is prioritized to allow native grasses to regenerate.
6. What are the main concerns highlighted in the action plan?
The plan stresses threats such as alien plant invasions (Mikania, Chromolaena odorata), grasslands turning into woodlands, and drying of water bodies. For instance, drying seasonal beels (wetlands) has reduced the availability of aquatic plants for elephants.
7. How much of the grasslands have already been lost?
Officials estimate that 50–60% of the park’s grasslands have vanished in the last 30–35 years. For example, vast stretches along the Beki and Manas rivers that once supported tall grasses are now covered with shrubs and trees.
2. Why are grasslands important in Manas National Park?
Grasslands are vital grazing grounds for species such as swamp deer, hog deer, wild buffalo, and elephants. For example, the Bengal florican, a critically endangered bird, survives only in open grassland stretches, making their preservation essential.
3. How has the shrinking grassland impacted wildlife?
As grasslands decline, animals like sambar and hog deer are forced into smaller grazing zones, increasing competition. For instance, rhinos and buffaloes now congregate in limited patches, making them more vulnerable to food scarcity and disease.
4. What is the unique biodiversity value of Manas National Park’s grasslands?
Manas is the only place on Earth where species such as the greater one-horned rhinoceros, pygmy hog, hispid hare, wild buffalo, Bengal florican, tiger, and elephant coexist in the same habitat. For example, the pygmy hog, the smallest wild pig, survives only in these tall grasslands.
5. What measures are being taken to restore the grasslands?
Authorities and NGOs have designed a 10-year Grassland Management Action Plan (GMAP). For example, controlled burning is proposed to prevent tree encroachment, and removal of invasive weeds like Mikania is prioritized to allow native grasses to regenerate.
6. What are the main concerns highlighted in the action plan?
The plan stresses threats such as alien plant invasions (Mikania, Chromolaena odorata), grasslands turning into woodlands, and drying of water bodies. For instance, drying seasonal beels (wetlands) has reduced the availability of aquatic plants for elephants.
7. How much of the grasslands have already been lost?
Officials estimate that 50–60% of the park’s grasslands have vanished in the last 30–35 years. For example, vast stretches along the Beki and Manas rivers that once supported tall grasses are now covered with shrubs and trees.