The Finn’s Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus), an endangered bird species, is silently vanishing from the marshy lowlands of the Terai, its last remaining stronghold in India and Nepal.
About Finn’s Weaver:
- Other Names: Yellow Weaver, Himalayan Weaver; in Uttarakhand, called Pahari Baya.
- IUCN Status: Endangered
- Habitat: Prefers marshy grounds, water-edge vegetation, and tall grasses.
- Distribution: Found mainly in the Terai lowlands of India and Nepal.
- Threats:
- Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and grassland reclamation.
- Nest predation affecting breeding success.
- Wetland degradation and human disturbances.
Significance:
- Indicator of wetland and grassland ecosystem health.
Loss reflects broader biodiversity and habitat conservation challenges in Terai ecosystems
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
