The post-monsoon study of flora, fauna and water quality in Adyar Eco Park (Tholkappiya Poonga) will begin next week. The study, to be the first after the inauguration of the park in January this year, would be crucial in assessing the impact of eco-restoration of the coastal wetland ecosystem.
Survey of vertebrates, invertebrates, surface and groundwater quality would be a significant component of the study, an official of the project said.
“The study would throw light on the number of new species of birds and fishes that have made the coastal wetland their habitat. We would come to know if any species has left the wetland after the eco-restoration,” said the official.
On Monday, water samples were collected at nine locations of the park to study physical and chemical parameters after the tidal influx of water in the Adyar estuary.
The number of species of birds in the park has increased from 33 in 2007 to 90 in 2010. Reptiles have increased from 14 in 2007 to 29 in 2010. Ambhibians have increased from three in 2007 to 10 in 2010.
According to officials of the project, the learning tools for school students are being readied for beginning the interactive education programme on wetland conservation and coastland ecology during the next academic year. Now, the number of student visitors is restricted to 1,000 per day.
