India’s grasslands are amongst the most biodiverse in the world. From wolves and hyenas to blackbucks and gazelle and from the Great Indian Bustard to various species of cranes, these grasslands are pristine ecosystems. Moreover, grasslands play a vital role in the fight against climate change due to the large amongst of carbon sequestration they perform.
However, grasslands are under severe pressure. Unfortunately, considered as wastelands, only about 3% of India’s grasslands are protected. As a result, these ecosystems are being degraded by livestock overgrazing, agricultural expansion, renewable energy projects, and infrastructure development.
One organization working passionately to preserve these vital ecosystems is The Grasslands Trust. Based in Pune, the organization works extensively on grassland restoration, awareness programs, and biodiversity monitoring. Earlier in 2023, the organization found the first genetic evidence of wolf-dog hybridization in India from Pune’s grasslands. Join me on this episode of The Think Wildlife Podcast, as I speak to Vishwatej Pawar and Makarand Datar from TGT about grasslands, their conservation, and various projects the organization is working on!
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Episode 31: Saving India's Grasslands with The Grasslands Trust