The Assam Government has informed the Legislative Assembly that the grasslands of Manas National Park have been steadily declining over the past few decades due to ecological succession, invasive vegetation and human interventions. Since grasslands support several endangered species, their conservation has become a key priority for biodiversity management.

Key Highlights

• Manas National Park historically comprised extensive alluvial grasslands and woodlands, creating one of the richest wildlife habitats in the Eastern Himalayas.
• The Assam Forest Department, under the Department of Environment and Forests, is monitoring changes in vegetation to restore degraded grasslands.
• Grassland loss has been attributed to:
  • Natural ecological succession, where grasslands gradually convert into woodlands.
  • Spread of invasive plant species.
  • Human disturbances, including encroachment and habitat modification.
  • Changes in flooding patterns, which influence grassland regeneration.

Why are Grasslands Important?

• Grasslands provide critical habitat for herbivores such as the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Wild Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer and Hog Deer.
• Healthy grasslands support predators, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, by sustaining prey populations.
• They maintain ecological balance, improve soil health and enhance carbon storage.
• Periodic management, including controlled burning and removal of invasive species, is essential to maintain grassland ecosystems.

About Manas National Park

• • Manas National Park is located in Baksa and Chirang districts of Assam along the foothills of the Himalayas.
  • It shares an international boundary with Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, forming an important transboundary conservation landscape.

• Park Ranges:

• • Panbari Range (Western)
  • Bansbari Range (Central)
  • Bhuyanpara Range (Eastern)
  • Kuklung Range (1st Addition)

Major River System

• Named after the Manas River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra.
• Important rivers include Manas, Beki, Aie, Pagladia, Hakua, Bigoni and Mora Manas.
• Represents the Bhabar–Terai ecosystem, consisting of grasslands, riverine forests and moist deciduous forests.

Important Timeline

• • Wildlife Sanctuary: 1928
  • Project Tiger Reserve: 1973 (among the first tiger reserves in India)
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1985
  • National Park Status: 1990
  • Elephant Reserve: 2003, part of the Chirang–Ripu Elephant Reserve

• Biosphere Reserve: 1989

• • Manas Biosphere Reserve extends over an area of 2837 km2 from Sankosh river in the west to Dhansiri river in the east, with a core area of 500 km2 of the National park.
• Recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).

Major Fauna

• Manas is famous for housing several rare and endangered species:
• Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Wild Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer, Golden Langur (endemic), Pygmy Hog (world’s rarest wild pig), Hispid Hare & Bengal Florican (critically endangered bird)

Special Significance

• It is part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.
• It contains the world’s largest population of Bengal Florican.
• It is one of the last strongholds of the Pygmy Hog and Golden Langur.
• The park was placed on UNESCO’s “World Heritage in Danger” List in 1992 due to insurgency and poaching, but was removed in 2011 after successful conservation efforts.

Exam Hook: Prelims Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Manas National Park:

1. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. It is both a Tiger Reserve and an Elephant Reserve.
3. The endangered Pygmy Hog is naturally found in its grassland ecosystem.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

One-Line Wrap

The conservation of Manas National Park’s grasslands is essential for protecting its unique biodiversity, as these ecosystems form the foundation for several globally endangered species and the ecological integrity of the Brahmaputra floodplain landscape.