Real hotspot of biodiversity mapped

 
The scientists at the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) have identified and mapped a unique Myristics swamp, believed to be the first of its kind, in a small area of around two sq.km, a home for 30-50 percent of the tree, plants and a number of living creatures. It is a very charecteristic eco system, found in the Kulathupuzha forests in Kollam district.


The study to map the biodiversity of Myristica swamps in Southern Kerala, sponsored by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest, has been undertaken by a team led by Dr.P.Vijayakumaran Nair,Principal Investigator,of the KFRI,Peechi. It has mapped the area and the final report would be made available soon. About 50 percent of the State's amphibian species and more than 20 percent of the reptilian species have been found here. Many of these are either endemic and or red listed. The data is significant because the myristica swamps in Kerala hardly make up 0.01 percent of the total area of Kerala.

(The Business Line 2 January 2007)