Tree planting on grasslands can reduce specialist bird populations

Tree planting on grasslands can reduce specialist bird populations A new study conducted in Maharashtra has revealed that afforestation efforts on grasslands are leading to a decline in bird species that rely exclusively on open ecosystems. Researchers observed that the introduction of trees into previously undisturbed savannahs altered habitat conditions, rendering them unsuitable for native grassland specialists such as the Indian courser and the tawny pipit. These birds, which depend on open spaces for foraging and nesting, are increasingly being displaced by species better suited to wooded environments. The study, carried out by researchers at the Centre for Policy Design at ATREE, examined bird populations in both untouched savannahs and established tree plantations. It found that while some species thrived in newly afforested areas, others faced significant declines. Grassland specialists, which are already under threat due to habitat loss and fragmentation, are now experiencing further pressure from human-driven afforestation projects. The findings underscore the ecological consequences of converting open landscapes into forested ones, especially in regions where such practices are common. Grasslands and savannahs cover approximately 15%-20% of India's total landmass, yet they remain one of the least studied ecosystems in the country. Their role in maintaining biodiversity and regulating local climates has long been overlooked. According to Abi T Vanak, Director of the Centre for Policy Design at ATREE, there is a severe lack of scientific attention given to dry savannahs, and even fewer studies examine the impact of afforestation on these fragile ecosystems. “There are very few studies on dry savannahs in general, and even fewer on the impacts of afforestation on them,” he noted. The research highlights a growing concern over the rapid decline of bird populations in open ecosystems. A 2023 report titled State of India’s Birds documented a 50% reduction in bird numbers inhabiting natural, open landscapes between 1992 and 2022. This trend is exacerbated by ongoing afforestation initiatives, which often prioritize tree cover over the preservation of grassland habitats. The study adds to a body of evidence suggesting that such interventions can disrupt delicate ecological balances and lead to irreversible losses in biodiversity. In response to these findings, the Maharashtra government recently issued a resolution prohibiting afforestation activities on grasslands and wetlands. This makes Maharashtra the first state in India to formally recognize the ecological significance of these landscapes and take steps to protect them. The decision reflects a broader shift toward landscape-level conservation strategies, which emphasize preserving entire ecosystems rather than focusing solely on individual species or isolated patches of land. Afforestation campaigns in India have deep historical roots, dating back to British colonial rule. During the 1860s, British administrators classified grasslands as “wastelands” because they lacked the economic value of forests, which could be exploited for timber and other resources. As a result, policies were introduced to encourage cultivation and tree planting on these lands, a practice that persisted even after independence. A 2019 study traced the origins of India’s grassland governance and highlighted how the colonial perception of grasslands as degraded forests continues to influence modern environmental policies. In Maharashtra, this legacy manifested through widespread Gliricidia sepium plantations. Introduced in the 1950s for their ornamental appeal and utility in providing fodder, these trees became a dominant feature of the region’s landscape. However, their proliferation also created opportunities for ecological research, as scientists began to observe how these plantations affected local wildlife. Prabhav Benara, a student involved in the study, explained that the uniformity of Gliricidia sepium stands made them ideal subjects for examining the effects of afforestation on avian communities. The results of this work have contributed to a growing awareness of the unintended consequences of large-scale tree planting in non-forested areas.