Restoration of Degraded Grassland Habitats in the Community Conservation Area (CCA)

The grasslands within EECEP are increasingly degraded due to the expansion of invasive plant species, which are reducing food availability for grassland obligate grazers such as the Asiatic wild buffalo, hog deer, etc. Non-native invasive species, including Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata, and Mikania micrantha, are replacing native grass species such as Imperata spp., Saccharum spp., and Vetiveria, on which grassland specialists such as the Critically Endangered Black-throated parrotbill and Bengal florican depend.

The loss of native grasslands is affecting a range of grassland-dependent species, including specialists such as the Critically Endangered Black-throated parrotbill and Bengal florican, which rely on these habitats for feeding, breeding, and shelter. Beyond its impacts on biodiversity, grassland degradation also threatens ecosystem balance, reduces habitat connectivity, and affects soil health and ecological processes that sustain the wider landscape.

To address these challenges, we will undertake baseline ecological research to assess the current condition, extent, and composition of grassland habitats within the Community Conservation Area. This work will document the spread and impacts of invasive species, identify priority areas for restoration, and improve our understanding of habitat use by key wildlife species. These findings will provide an evidence base to support the Management Committee in planning future restoration interventions and developing long-term grassland management strategies.

By improving our understanding of the condition of grassland ecosystems and the threats they face, this initiative will help guide future conservation and restoration efforts aimed at recovering native grasslands, improving habitat quality for grassland specialist wildlife such as the Bengal florican, Black-throated parrotbill, Asiatic wild buffalo, hog deer, and other grassland-dependent species, and support the long-term health and ecological resilience of the EECEP landscape.

About Dibang Team 

The Dibang Team is a collective of Idu Mishmi people from the twin districts of the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India. We have been working to conserve the region’s bio-cultural diversity while creating sustainable livelihoods. We combine Western science with Idu knowledge, culture, and spirituality to strengthen our cultural and traditional institutions, ensuring that the region’s biocultural diversity continues to thrive for generations.