Assam’s Manas Tiger Reserve has lost more than 43% of its grassland cover over the past three decades, primarily due to the spread of 14 invasive plant species, posing a serious threat to its unique wildlife and ecosystem.

Grassland cover declined from 53.61% in 1990 to 30.24% in 2019, representing a 43.59% relative loss. The shrinking grasslands threaten endangered species such as the greater one-horned rhinoceros, pygmy hog, hispid hare, and Bengal florican, all of which depend on open grassland habitats.

Forest officials attribute the decline to multiple factors, including the spread of invasive plants, prolonged civil unrest between 1988 and 2004, uncontrolled forest fires, and excessive livestock grazing, which disrupted habitat management.

Manas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site bordering Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park, is one of India’s most important protected areas for biodiversity. Conservationists stress that restoring native grasslands and controlling invasive species are essential to safeguard the reserve’s rich wildlife and ecological balance.

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