Grasslands in India

Grasslands in India are lands dominated by grasses with a certain number of other plants like trees, shrubs and herbs. Indian grasslands are found at various altitudes and in various geographical regions under various climatic conditions. Thus, there are grasslands which are found at altitudes higher than 2100 metres where the temperature is cold. And there are grasslands which are found at an altitude between 150 to 300 metres where the temperature is warm. Apart from the climatic conditions in which the grasslands exist, there are other types of grasslands, mainly five major types. Each of these grasslands has its own characteristics which differentiate them from one another. The most widespread grassland in India is Imperata grasslands. The majority of the grass species found in India belong to the tribes Andropogoneae (30%), Paniceae (15%), and Eragrosteae (9%). Grasslands of India are home to some of the most endangered species of animals some of which are endemic. Even certain species of plants are only found in grasslands only. Grasslands play a major role in the economy of the country as these are used as pastures for domestic grazing animals. They are also livelihoods of thousands of people as the grass is also used as fuel, shelter and various traditional activities. Grasslands in India are the least understood and the most underestimated natural habitats. Less than 1 per cent of Indian grasslands come under the protected area network, making it one of the most neglected and abused ecosystems in the country. According to a report by the Forestry Commission, nearly 40% of these protected grassland areas suffer from livestock grazing and fodder extraction.

Grass Types in India 

There are reports of 245 genera and 1,256 species of Gramineae of which about 21 genera and 139 species are endemic.

Most of the grasses belong to three tribes:

• Andropogoneae (30%)

• Paniceae (15%)

• Eragrosteae (9%)

One-third of Indian grasses are considered to have fodder value. Similarly, out of about 400 species of 60 genera of Leguminosae, 21 genera are reported to be useful as forage. The main centres of genetic diversity are peninsular India (for tropical types) and North-Eastern Region (for sub-tropical types) besides some micro-centres for certain species.

Major forage genera exhibiting forage biodiversity include legumes like Desmodium, Lablab, Stylosanthes, Vigna, Macroptelium, Centrosema, etc.; grasses like Bothriochloa, Dichanthium, Cynodon, Panicum, Pennisetum, Cenchrus, Lasiurus, etc. and browse plants such as Leucaena, Sesbania, Albizia, Bauhinia, Cassia, Grewia, etc. These genera besides many others form an integral part of feed and fodder resources of the country.

Partial list of grass species in India

Grassland Ecosystem in India

Grassland Ecosystem in India varies as per the type of grasslands. These grasslands have varying ecosystems because of various factors like climate, soil, rain and geographical location. These factors encourage a variety of ecosystems each having its own features. Thus grassland ecosystems have their specific plants and animals. Some of these are endemic and their role in the ecosystem is of vital importance. Ecosystems of grasslands in India are as fragile as the grassland themselves. Any change or modification, especially by human activities, has adverse and irreversible effects on the grasslands. While the natural inhabitants of the grasslands evidently get affected by any damage to these, humans also suffer major losses some of which are immediate and some of which are not imminent.

Common features of Grassland Ecosystems in India

• Grasses are the most important component of a grassland ecosystem in India. Trees, shrubs and herbs are other important vegetation of the grasslands.
• Insects and birds are the most common components of Indian Grasslands.
• Herbivorous and Insectivore animals form a major and important part of the Indian Grassland Ecosystems.
• Indian grassland ecosystems also extend to other types of habitats like those adjoining forests and deserts.
• Some grasslands occurring between open spaces in forests are often components of other ecosystems and vice versa
• The species of grasses found in these grasslands have a great effect on their ecosystem. The native and naturally occurring grass species maintain a continuum of the mechanism of the ecosystem as compared to introduced ones.

Components of Indian Grassland Ecosystem

Grasslands all over the world have two basic components; Indian Grassland Ecosystems are no exception.

There are two major components of a Grassland Ecosystem

BIOTIC and ABIOTIC COMPONENTS

I)  BIOTIC COMPONENTS – The biotic components of a grassland ecosystem are the living organisms that exist in the system. These organisms can be classified as producers, consumers and decomposers. Some consumers are also decomposers and vice versa.

II)  ABIOTIC COMPONENTS - The abiotic components of a grassland ecosystem are the non-living components of the ecosystem. The living organisms of the ecosystem depend on these for their survival. There are four major abiotic components i.e. climate, parent material and soil, topography and natural disturbances.