A clutch of rare species of raptors in the Western Ghats now run the risk of losing their home. Manikunnumala, their prime habitat, is slowly being plundered by the granite mining lobby, prompting environmentalists to strengthen a movement to garner protected status for the hill.
Nestled in the midst of agricultural plantations and Kalpetta township, the hill is a rich repository of endemic flora and fauna.
It has flat rocks on the southern and eastern slopes, and grasslands and shola forests at 1,300 metres above sea level. The highest peak is at 1,450 metres.
‘Nalukettum chola’ on the hill slope is one of the remaining rainforest patches in Wayanad and is a major source of drinking water for Kalpetta municipality. “Rampant granite mining posed a threat to this landscape a decade ago. Eco forums and the public intervened then and halted the quarrying,” said P. Baburaj, chairman, Manikunnumala Samrakshana Samiti.
“But now, the granite lobby has started to purchase small patches of land in the area for a huge price to resume mining. They have purchased around 57 acres from around 30 farmers in Mundupara, Idinhakolly and Mundu Parakunnu,” he said. The move would destroy the fragile area’s ecology, he added.
A recent study revealed that the hill is a critical breeding habitat for many Schedule One species of raptors.
“Bonelli’s Eagle, one of the largest birds of prey, is found breeding here,” said ornithologist C.K. Vishnudas. It is also a haven for eight species of rare raptors such as Jerdon’s Baza, Black Eagle and Crested Serpent Eagle. “What attracts the birds is the steep rock face,” Mr. Vishnudas said.
“The rock face warms quickly as the sun rises and the warm air moves up. Eagles use the thermals or upward air flow for their flight. They can easily rise to good heights by soaring in thermals, thus saving energy,” he added.
Raptors are apex predators in an ecosystem and their numbers are very low.
Nearly 167 species of birds, including Nilgiri Flycatcher, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Rufus Babblers, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Small Sunbird, Malabar Grey Hornbill and Malabar Parakeet are also found in the mountains.
