Grasses of Ummedganj Pakshi Vihar Conservation Reserve UPVCR), Kota, Rajasthan"

Ummedganj Pakshi Vihar Conservation Reserve (UPVCR), located in Kota district of Rajasthan, is a vital habitat for avifauna, particularly migratory and resident waterbirds. Despite its ecological significance, limited botanical studies have been conducted in the area, especially focusing on grass species, which form the structural and functional backbone of its wetland and terrestrial ecosystems. This study aims to document and analyze the diversity, distribution, and ecological roles of grasses (family Poaceae) within UPVCR. Through systematic field surveys conducted across different seasons in 2024–2025, a total of 29 grass species belonging to 24 genera were recorded. Dominant genera Chloris, Eragrostis & Dichanthium which play a crucial role in soil stabilization, water retention, and providing habitat and food sources for avifauna. The study also highlights the presence of native and invasive grass species, their seasonal dynamics, and potential conservation concerns. This documentation provides a baseline for ecological monitoring, habitat restoration efforts, and management of grassland-wetland interfaces within the reserve. The findings underscore the need for integrated conservation strategies that encompass not just fauna, but also critical floral components like grasses that sustain the ecological balance of UPVCR.