Mangaluru: Researchers have suggested large-scale projects to map and conduct further research on myristica swamps across Western Ghats, to conserve conservation and restoration efforts.
The comprehensive documentation of these remaining swamps, their genetic species and diversity, and local threats, will allow better protection against this heritage forest.
Ecological experts Priya Ranganathan, G Ravikanth and N A Arovind of Ashoka Trust for research in ecology and the environment (atree), reviewing the research and conservation of Swamp Myristica, which is a wetland that is covered in trees in the Evergreen Ghats forest.
They recommend the creation of clear policies for swamp conservation involving local communities, as well as the Ministry of Forestry.
“Swamps must be declared as a community conservation area, and conservation work must focus on the recovery of degraded swamps, and their biodiversity elements.
Furthermore, violated land that is currently under alternative land use must be restored to its original habitat, and the quality of the river flow is turned on Back in this area, “said N a Aravind.
West Ghats Swamps accommodate several rare Faunal taxats, which consist of many endemic and threatened species.
One of the most unique and ancient ecosystems, they once formed a large hydrological network, but because of increasing human pressure, this is now there as a small bag isolated, and is one of the most threatened ecosystems in India.
Western Ghats is one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots, occupying less than 6% of Indian land cover.
Apart from high biodiversity, only 9% of Western Ghats are included in the protected area network (PAS).
Aravind said Swamp Myristica faced a higher threat of destruction than other green forest types.
“Freshwater swamps fall under the umbrella category ‘ecologically sensitive areas,’ regions rich in biologically and ecologically, uniquely, valuable, and most are irreplaceable if destroyed.
Many of myristia swamps are not included in the Indian PA network, even though some swamps In Kerala and Karnataka are in the protected forest landscape.
Biodiversity Law in 2002 stated that the fields of biodiversity were important, including the Swamp of Myristia, as a biodiversity heritage site.
However, site-based initiatives have not been taken by the State Forest Department and the Council of Diversity Hayati Karnataka state, where most of these swamps are currently, “he added.
Ravikanth also felt there was an important gap of research, especially when it comes to hydrological services, land, and ecosystem services provided by these swamps, and further research is needed for a comprehensive understanding of this unique waterbodi.