The rising waters in the Mullaperiyar reservoir could pose a threat to wildlife and the ecosystem as hundreds of hectares of land, where a semi-forest system has developed, are now under water.
The tree stumps in the lake, often described as a landmark of Thekkady, are habitats of hundreds of birds, including migratory ones. With many already under the water, the impact is believed to be on a wider scale than what was expected, R. Sreehari, ecologist, Periyar Tiger Reserve, said.
Data compilationMr. Sreehari said they were compiling data on the total land under the water, disturbances to the habitat, and long-term impact on wildlife and the ecosystem.
“Now, with a majority of the tree stumps under the water, the nestlings of Great Cormorant ( Phalacrocorex carbo ), little cormorant ( Microcarbo niger ), oriental darter (snake birds) and various kingfisher species are the first affected.
These birds feed on fish and prefer treetops, cliffs on the lake, or waterbodies for nesting and breeding. As they are resident species, it will take a long time to rebuild the disturbed nesting places. Visitors to Thekkady would have a picture of these birds and their nesting on undisturbed tree stumps, which are now beneath the water.”
Herbivores were also highly affected, Mr. Sreehari said.
Elephant corridorsElephant corridors in Ayyappankurukku and Edappalayam were now in the waterlogged areas, he said. With disturbances to their natural habitat, including bamboo groves, there were chances of the elephants straying out of the area, he said.
There was damage to butterfly species and rare orchids too, he said.
For the past 35 years, a sub-forest had developed in the area and it was now under water, with the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam nearing 142 ft. How long it would take to restore the lost flora and fauna was being studied, in addition to habitat disturbances to the wildlife in the long run, Mr. Sreehari said.
