Magical Grassland Trip for Lesser Florican

Nothing gives me a sense of magical satisfaction like capturing a bird’s graceful movement up close after waiting for a long time. The same thing happened during my visit to the Sawai Madhopur grasslands. A small black colour bird with silvery wings made a spectacular jump to a height of 1.5 m to 2 m. Quickly, I captured this charming sight while it was halfway floating back to the ground. This is male lesser florican’s beautiful courtship display. The bird performs this over 500 times a day.

As a birder, I visit all kinds of natural habitats of birds including grasslands and wetlands. But it is unfortunate that grasslands in India are generally disregarded. Although these lands are devoid of trees, they are vital for a large variety of wildlife, especially ground-nesting birds. They find refuge and breed here. However, the grassland cover is rapidly being destroyed due to various factors. One of the reasons is using the land for cultivation of crops. So, along with these lands are dwindling away the lesser floricans.

The smallest of the bustard species, lesser florican, is listed as Endangered in IUCN’s Red List. It has been provided with the highest protection under Schedule-1 of the Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972. Yet, their numbers have reduced drastically.

The lesser floricans visit the grasslands in Central and Western India during the monsoon season which is their breeding period. With the grass flourishing in this season the females are able to hide and breed safely. And this is also the time when insects are abundant for the birds to feed on. That said, the lesser florican is omnivorous and also feeds on small herbs, berries etc.

Monsoon is a magical period for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers to visit the magnificent grasslands. Taking a tour to these places is nothing short of a memorable adventure. Because just like dense forest, grasslands are home to a variety of wildlife.

For example, the grasslands of Malwa plateau in western Madhya Pradesh is home to more than 150 bird species. You can find quails, buttonquails, northern shoveller, grey francolin, migratory birds like harriers, warblers, shrikes, and ducks. And of course, among them is also the lesser florican.

Sailana Sanctuary and Sardarpur Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh are exclusively established to conserve the lesser florican. (Thanks to the suggestion that came from ornithologist and bird lover, Salim Ali.)

So, you might be lucky to spot these spectacular birds here in the monsoons. Another place is Velavadar National Park in Gujarat three hours from Ahmedabad. Central and Southern Rajasthan is also home to these endangered birds.

Filing up your contentment are other animals you can spot roaming these grasslands. There are huge herds of blue bulls, and predators like Indian Wolf, Striped Hyena, Indian Fox, and Wild Cat. The best part is that you can easily find them roaming freely around because of the absence of the big cats.

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