Myristica Swamps
Prelims:
Environment
& Ecology
Mains:
GS Paper III:
Conservation, environmental degradation, biodiversity, wetlands, ecosystem
services
Current relevance:
A
new study has warned that the rare Myristica freshwater swamps of the
Western Ghats, including those restricted to a patch in Kulathupuzha,
Kerala, are on the cusp of extinction.
Highlights:
1.
Myristica Swamps:
Key Features
i.
Myristica
swamps are rare freshwater
swamp forests found in the Western Ghats.
ii.
The
given report highlights a rare concentration of these swamps in Kulathupuzha,
Kerala.
iii.
They
represent “one of the most primitive” ecosystems in India.
iv.
Their
vegetation is specially adapted to waterlogged conditions.
v.
Important
adaptations include:
·
Pneumatophores — aerial roots that grow vertically out
of water.
·
Stilt
roots — specialised
roots adapted to waterlogged habitats.
vi.
These
swamp forests also support a diverse range of fauna.
2.
Ecological
Importance:
i.
Biodiversity
Hotspot: Myristica
swamps are highly specialised freshwater ecosystems that support rare and
endemic flora and fauna; despite occupying only about 0.004% of Kerala’s
land area, they harbour 16.3% of the endemic species of the Western
Ghats.
ii.
Natural
Water Reservoirs: Their
permanently waterlogged character enables them to function as natural water
reservoirs, contributing to water conservation and ecological balance.
iii.
Carbon
Sequestration: These
swamp ecosystems also contribute to carbon sequestration, adding to
their ecological and climate significance.
iv.
Unique
Habitat: The presence
of stilt roots and pneumatophores (breathing roots) allows Myristica
trees to survive in waterlogged, oxygen-poor conditions and creates a
specialised habitat for biodiversity.
3.
Major Threats:
i.
Habitat
Destruction: The Kerala
Forest Department identifies habitat destruction as a major threat to the
survival of Myristica swamps.
ii.
Developmental
Pressure: Developmental
activities can alter and degrade these specialised freshwater habitats.
iii.
Climate
Change: Changes in
climatic conditions pose an additional threat to these ecosystems, which depend
on specific waterlogged environmental conditions for their survival.
iv.
Wetland
Degradation: More
broadly, Kerala's wetlands face pressures from encroachment, reclamation,
pollution, eutrophication, mining and biodiversity loss.
4.
Conservation
Significance:
i.
Special
Habitat Protection: Myristica swamps as a rare and unique
assemblage of flora and fauna and recommend conserving forest areas
containing them through special management plans.
ii.
Ecological
Legacy: These swamps
constitute a living link to the ancient ecological history of the Western
Ghats, making their protection important for preserving the region's
natural heritage.
iii.
Ecosystem
Services: Their
conservation helps safeguard biodiversity, water conservation, carbon
sequestration, ecological balance and local livelihoods.
iv.
Eco-restoration: Official biodiversity documentation
recommends ecological restoration of degraded Myristica swamps to
address their decline.
Source: THE HINDU - https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/rare-freshwater-swamps-in-the-western-ghats-are-on-the-cusp-of-extinction/article71383842.ece