The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Flora, fauna thrive in Hussainsagar

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Saturday, Jun 20, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Flora, fauna thrive in Hussainsagar

The over 400-year-old lake is a habitat to 115 flora and over 60 bird species

HMDA took up a biodiversity study, inventory of biotic components two years back
Detailed inputs about the water body listed on www.friendsofhussainsagar.com

— Photo: P. V. Sivakumar

WELCOME VISITOR: Despite filth and squalor around Hussainsagar rare birds visit the water body.

HYDERABAD: Talking of Hussainsagar Lake, most usually ends up frowning about the stink and pollution there. But little thought is spared for the biodiversity that thrives in the more than 400-year-old and one of the largest manmade lakes.

A biodiversity study and inventory of all the biotic components in and around the lake compiled by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) with the assistance of World Wildlife Fund-India has documented 115 species of flora here. These species were found to be from 39 families.

The study was initiated two years back with Rs.7.27 lakh project cost to record all available species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates apart from floral species.

A study of micro-organism including plankton, aggregate of small plant and animal organism that float in water, was also part of it.

Among the micro-organism, the documentation ended with three species of phytoplankton and four species of zooplankton.

The invertebrate presence recorded here included 48 species of butterflies and five of dragonflies while among amphibians, one toad and two species of frogs were listed out.

Reptile presence

For those keen on reptile presence in and around the lake, the inventory came up with two species of snakes, three of Gecko apart from one species each of lizard and skink.

The fact that the lake is a major draw for birds is seen in the biodiversity compilation which listed out 67 species of birds representing 33 families in and around the lake.

Also, located were four mammals from two different families.

Meanwhile, the HMDA has launched a website ‘ www.friendsofhussainsagar.com’ which apart from providing detailed inputs about the water body also seeks to act as a platform for interaction between stakeholders.

It also has sections such as Blog, Forum, and Discussion Board along with photo and video galleries.

Live chat and online booking for facilities that surround the lake too are on offer on the site.

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