MANAS NATIONAL PARK IN ASSAM IS BATTLING INVASIVE GRASSES.
BARPETA, Assam, India – August 17, 2025:Manas National Park, a UNESCO site that’s home to endangered animals, has a big weed problem. According to recent reports, these weeds are spreading fast, choking out the local grasses, and messing up the park’s grasslands. These grasslands are key for animals like pygmy hogs, rhinos, and wild water buffalo. Siam weed and bitter vine are mainly causing the issue, changing the park’s ecosystem and creating a long-term headache for its animal and plant diversity.
The Sneaky Invaders
The biggest troublemakers are a shrub that keeps coming back and a vine that grows super quickly. Both are from Central and South America. They were brought to India as pretty plants and for hiding things during wartime.
These plants love messed-up areas and can beat out local plants. They make thick mats that block sunlight, water, and nutrients from the local grasses. This really changes the grasslands.
What It Means for Animals
When the local grasses disappear, it’s bad news for the park’s animals. The grasslands are a special place that certain animals need to survive.
The pygmy hog, the world’s smallest wild pig, really needs the tall, thick grass for food and shelter. Conservationists are working hard to save and bring back these hogs, so they’re in danger.
Also, the Indian rhino, which was brought back to Manas after being wiped out by poaching, eats mostly grass. The Indian wild water buffalo, another endangered species, needs these grasslands too.
Fighting Back, But It’s Tough
Park staff and conservation groups have known about these weeds for years. UNESCO has told India many times to do something about it.
Studies since 2019 said these weeds could take over the grasslands if nothing is done. Research by groups like Aaranyak shows that the weeds have already taken over about 30% of the park’s grasslands.
Conservationists and park rangers have tried pulling up the plants and burning them. But the weeds are spreading so fast, it’s hard to keep up.
Why This Is Happening
Manas National Park is having problems with these weeds because of its past. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was trouble in the area, causing poaching and damage to the park.
During that time, the park’s buildings and equipment were damaged, and things like maintaining the grasslands stopped. This made the area perfect for weeds to move in.
The situation was so bad that UNESCO put the park on a list of endangered places in 1992. Even though it was taken off the list in 2011, the park is still dealing with the damage.
Big Picture
The weed problem isn’t just about certain animals; it affects the whole park. The weeds can change the soil and make it easier for fires to start.
The local plants, which the park’s animals have adapted to, are being replaced by weeds that aren’t as good to eat.
Because of this, animals might go looking for food elsewhere, which could lead to more problems between people and animals living near the park. This is a big worry for both locals and conservationists.
What’s Next: A Smart Plan
Experts now suggest a smarter, long-term plan. This means mapping out where the weeds are, figuring out the best ways to get rid of them, and getting local people involved.
Getting locals to pull up the weeds could give them another way to make a living. This would also make them feel like they’re helping to take care of the park and its animals and plants.
The future of Manas National Park depends on stopping these weeds with a long-term, well-organized, and funded plan. If not, the park’s recovery could be ruined by these sneaky invaders.
Reported by: Herohind News Desk
