PATHANAMTHITTA
The Hindu, October 26, 2015
The Hindu, October 26, 2015
The four-day odonate survey, organised by the Kerala Forest and Wildlife
Department in association with the Kottayam Nature Society and
Travancore Natural History Society, has identified 51 species of dragon
and damsel flies in the high altitude Munnar landscape.
G. Prasad, Wildlife Warden at Munnar, told The Hindu that
Davenport’s False Spreadwing, Red Veined Darter, Laidlaw’s Clawtail and
Plain Sinuate Clubtail were the rare sightings during the survey that
came to a close on Saturday.
Of the 51 species identified, 44 were spotted in the Chinnar Wildlife
Sanctuary. Survey teams observed large-scale migration of Global
Wanderer (commonly known as ‘Onathumbi’) at the Kurinjimala and Chinnar
wildlife sanctuaries, he said. Acccording to Tom Augustine of the
Kottayam Nature Society, these dragon flies migrate all across the
Indian sub-continent in the monsoon winds and cross the Arabian Sea to
Africa. Travancore Torrent Dart, Blue Darner, Coorg Bambootail and
Blue-tailed Forest Hawk were also recorded during the survey, he said.
Mr Prasad said the study of the odonates was important as they were good
indicators of environment and habitat quality and the survey results
too amply indicated the same. The survey teams could spot only 11
species at Kurinjimala wildlife sanctuary, which is a disturbed habitat
because of its wattle plantation and agricultural lands, he said.
B. Sreekumar, KNS president, said pollution of water bodies due to agricultural chemicals posed a big threat to dragon flies.
The survey was led by Kalesh Sadasivan, Kiran C.G, David V. Raju, and
Toms Augustine. Prabhu P.M, and Siby K. E, Assistant Wildlife Wardens,
monitored the survey team under the guidance of Mr. Prasad.
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