The survey head, Sujit Narwade who is a Project Scientist at Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has already covered parts of Western Maharashtra and parts of Marathwada.
A grassland survey being conducted across Maharashtra by experts is already showing a worrying trend, prompting conservationists to reiterate their demands on the urgent need of a separate grassland policy to save this vital habitat.
The survey head, Sujit Narwade who is a Project Scientist at Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has already covered parts of Western Maharashtra and parts of Marathwada. The remaining areas including Vidharbha will be covered till October.
As a part of the survey, the team along with forest department, visited various grassland and studied the site and issues plaguing it, including development projects near the grasslands, exotic plantations and also focused on the key indicator species, be it the Blackbucks, Great Indian Bustard (GIB) or birds.
"We surveyed places like Solapur, Ahmednagar, Sangli, Nashik, Osmanabad, Latur, and Jalgaon and found that very few undisturbed grassland patches exist and several are under 'threat' from various factors," said Narwade who recently released a pictorial book 'Life in Grass' depicting important species which are existing in grasslands of Nannj-Mardi.
Narwade has been doing extensive study on the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) from Nannaj, which is a critically endangered bird and requires grassland habitat for its survival. "It is extremely important to pay attention to grassland and conserve it. It's not only the GIB's who need grasslands but also several other species of birds, reptiles and mammals including Indian Grey Wolf, Indian Fox, Blackbucks." he said.
One of the immediate signs that creates alarm is, lesser number of species has been sighted in the grasslands. "We spotted the Chestnut bellied sandgrouse only at four places in two months which is disturbing as they breed mainly in July till october." said Narwade.
"The results of the study are likely to be out by the end of the year and will give details of the overall habitat and threats to different areas across the State. We will also indicate locations that need urgent attention and recommendations for saving them." He said.
Former BNHS Director, Dr Asad Rahmani said that the State needs to act fast before the damage is done. "We need to have a separate policy for grassland as soon as possible. Also we need a policy change so that the locals staying in the grassland sanctuaries can be made part of conservation scheme by providing them facilities," he said.
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