Manas National Park Loses Half Its Grasslands in 3 Decades

Grasslands in Assam’s Manas National Park have shrunk by nearly 50–60% over the last 30–35 years, officials said. Field Director C Ramesh noted that natural woodland succession has accelerated, concentrating herbivores in limited grassy patches. Experts blamed invasive species, erratic rainfall, climate change, and human activities like grazing and burning for the decline. Conservationists warned this threatens the park’s unique biodiversity, where rhinos, deer, elephants, and tigers coexist. A 10-year Grassland Management Action Plan has been prepared to restore and conserve the habitat.