Munnar panchayat dump yard posing threat to wild elephants

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

IDUKKI, october 23, 2025

The Munnar panchayat-operated dumping yard at Kallar is posing a threat to wild elephants in the hill station, with wild elephants, especially an elephant locally called Ottakompan, entering the yard to consume plastic-laden vegetable waste.

Vimal Raj, a wildlife photographer tracking the movements of wild elephants in Munnar, says he has found the tusker consuming plastic-filled waste from the yard.

Ready availability

“I have taken pictures of the elephant consuming plastic mixed with vegetable waste from the yard. Due to the ready availability of food, the animal is camping at the yard. Regular consumption of plastic-filled vegetable waste may pose a threat to the life of the elephant,” says Mr. Raj.

For the past two years, wild elephants are regularly seen at the yard in Kallar. Forest officials say the yard is posing a threat to local wildlife. “Wild elephants, wild gaurs, and other animals are regularly seen at the yard,” says an official.

Greens air concerns

R. Mohan, president of the Munnar Environment and Wildlife Society (MEWS), says the yard in Kallar has emerged as a major threat to wild elephants. “Munnar’s popular tusker Padayappa is a regular visitor to the area. For the past two years, the MEWS has repeatedly approached the authorities to find a solution to the issue but to no avail,” he says.

Munnar Range officer S. Biju says the Forest department has directed the Munnar panchayat to fix a solar fence around the plant.

Solar fence demand

“The department has also requested the panchayat to provide a pump-action gun to the department to chase away wild animals from the plant. The panchayat has also been directed to install a real-time camera at the plant to monitor the movements of wild elephants. At a recent meeting called by the Forest Minister in Idukki, the Munnar panchayat secretary agreed to install solar fence soon,” he says.

Munnar panchayat secretary G.P. Udayakumar says the panchayat had allotted ₹8 lakh for setting up a solar fence at the yard. “The works have begun and are expected to be completed soon,” he says.

Read more »

Tribal trio revives baby monkey, wins hearts in act of compassion

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, october 22, 2025

In a heart-warming act of compassion that has since gone viral, three tribal women from a Vanasamrakshana Samiti (forest protection committee) in Thiruvananthapuram revived a baby macaque after it was electrocuted near the Kallar Golden Valley forest check-post on Tuesday.

The incident unfolded along the Vithura–Ponmudi road when two young monkeys came into contact with a high-tension power line. One of them fell onto a tree branch, while the other crashed onto the tarred road, unconscious and suffering a wound to its forehead.

Without hesitation, Ponmudi Vanasamrakshana Samiti members Udaya, Sachithra, and Saugandhika, who are all members of the Kani tribal settlement in Mottamoodu, Vithura, rushed to the scene. The trio immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by performing chest compressions in an attempt to revive it. Miraculously, their efforts succeeded.

After administering basic treatment to the wound, they released the revived monkey back into the wild, a moment that has captured widespread attention and praise.

“Even though we have suffered greatly due to wild animals and lost crops to wild boar, elephant, and bear incursions, we never thought of turning our backs on these baby monkeys. Animals do pose a menace to us, yet we have always lived alongside the forest and its creatures,” says Udaya.

‘To instil empathy’

Section forest officer Shaji points out that similar incidents have occurred before, including one two months ago when a beat forest officer administered CPR to a fallen animal. “The members of the Vanasamrakshana Samiti are being encouraged to act as true guardians of the forest by upholding compassion for both humans and wildlife. Such acts serve to instil empathy in others as well,” he says.

The incident has also sparked discussions about the need to provide formal training in first aid and wildlife rescue techniques for members of the Vanasamrakshana Samitis and eco-development committees across the State.

Read more »

Kerala Assembly passes forest, wildlife amendment Bills

 

tHE HINDU BUREAU, 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, october 9, 2025

The Kerala Assembly on Wednesday passed the Wildlife Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Kerala Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the absence of the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) which boycotted the proceedings over the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala.

Forests Minister A.K. Saseendran described the Wildlife Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill, 2025 as a milestone initiative, stating that Kerala is the first State in India to introduce such an amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Time consuming

According to him, the existing procedures under the Central Act and its associated Standard Operating Procedures are often impractical and time-consuming. The amendment aims to enable quick action in emergency situations, especially when lives are at risk.

The proposed legislation would enable the Chief Wildlife Warden to authorise immediate action, including killing animals, without unnecessary delay, at times when people suffer serious injuries in a wildlife attack, following which the District Collector or Chief Conservator of Forests reports the incident for necessary action.

The Bill also includes provision for population control and relocation of species listed in Schedule II, such as wild boars and leopards, without requiring Central government approval. Besides, the new Bill would also empower the State government to declare a species as ‘vermin’ if its population becomes unmanageable.

The Bill also proposes shifting Bonnet Macaque from Schedule I to Schedule II to permit population control of the species and, if necessary, declaring them vermin.

Mr. Saseendran highlighted that the Bill will come into effect only upon receiving Presidential assent, after being forwarded through the Governor, as it involves amendments to the Central law. The Kerala Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2025 primarily introduces provisions regarding the harvesting and sale of sandalwood trees on private land.

Read more »

In hilly regions, smaller animals become a bigger concern now

 

SANDEEP VELLARAM,

IDUKKI, the hindu, october 7, 2025

For generations, farmers in the hilly regions of Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Ernakulam districts lived in fear of giants — wild elephants trampling their fields, leopards stalking livestock, and tigers prowling the cardamom and rubber plantations. These days a new pattern is emerging in the Forest department’s 45-day mitigation drive: it is the smaller creatures that are wreaking havoc.

Settler farmers across the High Range Circle in the four districts now complain not of roaring predators, but of relentless troops of Bonnet Macaques, scurrying Malabar Giant Squirrels, and marauding wild pigs. These smaller animals, once seen as harmless, have become the new faces of the human-animal conflict.

Shift in pattern

“The complaints we receive show a clear shift — monkeys, squirrels, and wild pigs are now the major concern for farming families,” said a Forest department source. According to data from the department, 1,255 complaints have been filed in the High Range Circle in the ongoing mitigation drive. The Kothamangalam division tops the list with 204 complaints, followed by Neryamangalam (161), and Erumely (157), mostly pertaining to the small animals. The Idukki Wildlife Division, where the bigger fauna is predominant, has received just five complaints, showing how the nature of conflict has changed with settlement patterns.

In the cardamom-growing hub of Idukki, Bonnet Macaques have emerged as the prime culprits. Farmers spend hundreds of rupees on crackers to chase these monkeys from the plantations. The animals polish off fruits, damage saplings, and leave behind ravaged crops. Squirrels gnaw through the tender pods, while wild pigs dig up roots and destroy field boundaries. “All farming areas, excluding tea plantations, are heavily damaged by these three species,” an official noted.

New set of challenges

Job J. Neriamparambil, Assistant Conservator of Forests (Research), Peerumade, and coordinator of the High Range Circle mitigation plan, said the department is preparing to convene a district-level monitoring committee to address the new set of challenges. “The Forest department will seek support from other government departments to address these issues,” he said. “It’s not just about wildlife anymore — it’s about protecting the livelihoods of people living alongside it.”

The changing pattern of conflict tells a larger story: as habitats shrink and settlements expand, the boundaries between the forest and the farmland blur. And in this new landscape, the smallest animals have become the biggest menace.

Read more »

From Wagamon hills, a close relative of ‘safed musli’ found

 

TIKI RAJWI, 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, the hindu, october 6, 2025

A perennial herb spotted during a field exploration in Idukki district’s Wagamon hills has been identified as a new species of the genus Chlorophytum, making it a close relative of the ‘safed musli.’

Researchers have named the new species, which has white flowers in small clusters and slender leaves, Chlorophytum vanapushpam (family Asparagaceae).

The findings of the team from the botany departments of Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha; Payyannur College, Kannur; Sir Syed College, Taliparamba; and SNM College, Maliankara, have been highlighted in the latest edition of the journal Phytotaxa. A herb that grows up to 90 cm in height, Chlorophytum vanapushpam has been found clinging to the rocky hills of Wagamon and Neymakkad – parts of the Western Ghats regions of Idukki district – at elevations between 700 m and 2,124 m. Its discovery was quite serendipitous, according to the team. The plant was spotted during a research project on wild edible tubers funded by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board.

“The Western Ghats region is thought to be a centre of origin of the genus Chlorophytum. A total of 18 species have been identified here so far, with many of them exhibiting medicinal properties,” Jose Mathew, Assistant Professor, Sanatana Dharma College, said.

One of these is the Chlorophytum borivilianum, more familiar to Indians as the ‘safed musli,’ a herb widely used in traditional medical preparations and also popular as a leaf vegetable. But unlike its more famous cousin, Chlorophytum vanapushpam lacks tubers. Its seeds are about 4 to 5 mm across. Flowering and fruiting occurs from September to December. The species name vanapushpam is a composite of ‘Vanam’ and ‘Pushpam,’ the Malayalam for forest and flower respectively.

Apart from Dr. Mathew, the team credited with the discovery included C.N. Sunil, and M.G. Sanil Kumar from SNM College; M.K. Ratheesh Narayanan from Payyannur College, and Sidharth S. Nair of Sir Syed College, Taliparamba.

Read more »

18th edition of Vembanad fish count records 61 species

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

ALAPPUZHA, september 29, 2025

The 18th edition of the Vembanad fish count (VFC) recorded 61 species, including 58 finfish and three shellfish.

As part of the annual count, a survey was conducted in the southern parts of Thanneermukkom bund under the aegis of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment- Community Environment Resource Centre (ATREE- CERC). Around 110 volunteers, including academics, researchers and fishers from across the region, participated in this year’s count, which was conducted with the financial support of the State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK).

In a statement issued here, Maneeja Murali, senior programme officer, ATREE- CERC, said that rain and slush in the lake had adversely affected the fish count. Compared to the previous year, the number of fish species recorded was lower. The 17th edition of the VFC had recorded 85 species, including 74 finfish and 11 shellfish.

The decline in the average weight of Attu Konju (Macrobrachium rosenbergii, giant freshwater prawn) from 500-600 grams to around 300 grams is a cause for concern among inland fishers. “As in previous years, the availability of giant freshwater prawns was very low. The continued decline in both availability and weight for three consecutive years underlines the need for urgent intervention,” said Ms. Murali.

Sajeevan M. K., Dean of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos), suggested the need for further research into the plight of the giant freshwater prawn and the continued decline of fish diversity in the lake.

Volunteers said that due to the abundance of water hyacinth, boats could not access many areas. Oil deposits were found spread across the water near the Nazarath church at Kumarakom, resulting in very low fish availability.

Read more »

Two new antlion species discovered

 

THE HINDU BUREAU,  

THRISSUR, september 29, 2025

Researchers from the Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) at Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, have discovered two new species of antlions belonging to the family Myrmeleontidae under the order Neuroptera.

The first species, Indophanes keralaensis, was identified from the forest regions of Sairandhri and Siruvani in Palakkad district as well as Pampadum Shola National Park in Idukki.

The name honours Kerala, where the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots, dominate the landscape.

The second species, Indophanes sahyadriensis, was recorded from Siruvani (Palakkad), Pakshipathalam and Thirunelly (Wayanad), and Ranipuram (Kasaragod). Its name refers to the Sahyadri, the local term for the Western Ghats, which harbours unique native habitats.

Genus Indophanes

The genus Indophanes is reported from China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It previously included nine species worldwide. With this discovery, the total has increased to 11. In India, the number of Indophanes species has risen to five, of which three are recorded from Kerala.

The findings have been published in the international scientific journal Zootaxa. Researcher at SERL and Assistant Professor at St. Aloysius College, Elthuruth, Suryanarayanan T. B., research supervisor and head of SERL Bijoy C., Assistant Professor of Christ College and Hungarian scientist Levente Ábrahám were behind this discovery.

Speaking about the broader significance of the discovery, Dr. Suryanarayanan noted: “This reinforces the crucial role academic institutions and local biodiversity surveys play in filling the gaps in India’s faunal inventory, particularly for lesser-known insect groups like antlions.”

Order Neuroptera

Antlions are often mistaken for damselflies due to their similar appearance but can be distinguished by their long, clubbed antennae.

They come under order Neuroptera which includes holometabolous insects while the damselflies come under order Odonata, which includes hemimetabolous insects.

Beneath loose soil

Many antlion larvae are known for constructing conical sand pits to trap prey. Larvae of the genus Indophanes do not build pits. Instead, they live beneath loose soil, sheltered from direct sunlight, wind, and rain.

With these two additions, Kerala now records 12 species of antlions, while India’s tally rises to 110, according to Dr. Bijoy.

The study was supported by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi.

Read more »

Forest dept. to take up reclassification of the bonnet macaque with Centre

 

SANDEEP VELLARAM, 

IDUKKI, September 27, 2025

In Idukki, the State’s cardamom heartland, farmers have been raising alarm over mounting crop losses caused by bonnet macaques. With complaints flooding in and urgent calls for intervention growing louder, the Forest department has proposed a reclassification initiative aimed at mitigating the primate menace while not ignoring the protection status of the species.

Job J. Neriamparambil, Assistant Conservator of Forests, says many complaints have been received about the bonnet macaque, a common type of primate in the High Range Circle areas, which is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

“We will table the farmers’ complaints before the Chief Wildlife Warden and submit a report to the Union government demanding that the bonnet macaque be moved from Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act to Schedule II. When the animal is reclassified in Schedule II, the Forest department could prevent its menace,” says the official.

Prabhu, a cardamom farmer in Kumily, says a large number of bonnet macaques are arriving on the plantation and destroying the plants.

“We are using firecrackers to drive away the animals, but when the farmers leave the plantation, they return. I am spending nearly ₹1,000 a week for buying crackers,” says the farmer.

Serious threat

Stany Pothen, chairman, Cardamom Planters Federation, says the cardamom farmers are facing a serious threat from the macaque menace. Compared to other animals, these primates are destroying entire plants, and there is no way to stop them.

“We can prevent the entry of wild pigs, including other animals, through the use of solar fencing and other fences. But there is no possible solution to prevent the menace of the bonnet macaques. At a time, a group of 100-odd bonnet macaques raids the plantation leaving the crops fully damaged,” says Mr. Pothen.

Read more »

Number of polluted river sites are showing a slight reduction: CPCB

 

JACOB KOSHY, 

NEW DELHI, september 23, 2025

The number of locations in Indian rivers unfit to bathe saw an incremental dip to 807 in 2023 from 815 in 2022, according to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) made public on Monday. There was, however, a reduction in the number of river locations considered “most polluted”.

The agency monitors and compiles data in two-year phases on river health — specifically measuring a parameter called biological oxygen demand (BOD) of India’s rivers. BOD is proxy for organic matter dissolved in water with a low number indicating a healthy river. A BOD greater than 3 milligrams per litre indicates rising pollution and is considered unfit for bathing.

Two continuous locations exceeding the criterion in a single river is counted as a ‘polluted river stretch’ (PRS).

PRS of rivers

In 2023, there were 296 PRS/locations found in 271 rivers. In 2022, there were 311 PRS/locations in 279 rivers.

Maharashtra (54) had the highest number of PRS or locations followed by Kerala (31), Madhya Pradesh and Manipur with 18 each, and Karnataka (14). However, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand had the highest number — five — of stretches or locations in ‘Priority 1’.

In the 2022 assessment, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of ‘Priority 1’ river stretches (6), Maharashtra had the highest number of polluted river stretches at 55, followed by Madhya Pradesh (19), Bihar (18), Kerala (18), Karnataka (17), and Uttar Pradesh (17).

PRS with a BOD exceeding 30 mg per litre are considered ‘Priority 1’, meaning, the most polluted and thus needing urgent remediation. In the latest assessment, the number of ‘Priority 1’ stretches reduced to 37 from 45 over the 2022 assessment.

The CPCB network monitors water quality at 4,736 locations across the country including rivers, lakes, creeks, drains and canals.

Read more »

Death of nine bonnet macaques in Kerala capital raises poisoning fears

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, September 23, 2025

The Kerala Forest Department has registered a case into the mysterious deaths of nine bonnet macaques near Palode in Thiruvananthapuram.

The carcasses were found in a rubber plantation and at a nearby stream in Mankayam on Sunday. The presence of foam and froth around their mouth has raised suspicion of possible poisoning or disease.

The post-mortem examination was conducted at the State Institute for Animal Diseases at Palode on Monday. While preliminary findings of the necroscopy did not provide any conclusive cause that led to the deaths, a comprehensive report is awaited. Besides, a toxicology assessment will also be undertaken to examine the presence of poison.

Official sources also indicated the possibility of sending samples to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal. The examination could shed light on the possibility of a possible outbreak of Kyasanur Forest Disease (monkey fever), a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever, in the simian population.

The wild animal menace has thrown normal life out of gear in several parts of Pangode and Peringamala gram panchayats.

The major threats come from wild elephants, wild boars, and monkeys.

Read more »

State picks holes in NGT panel report recommending increasein safety distance from quarries

 

G. KRISHNAKUMAR, 

KOCHI, september 23, 2025

The State government has picked holes in the report by an expert panel that recommended a safety distance of 150 m between stone quarries and residential or inhabited areas.

A report submitted by the government before the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (
NGT) on September 18, 2025 claimed that the panel report has flaws in many aspects and there is no need to enhance the present regulatory distance of 50 m.

Based on scientific studies carried out in quarries located in nine districts, the committee, which was appointed by the NGT, found that the existing safety distance of 50 m was highly inadequate.

The government report claimed that the results of the live experiments conducted by the committee have many anomalies and lacked proper methodology and design. There were 497 granite quarries functioning in Kerala during 2022-2023.

The sample set composed of only nine quarries (1.8%) to interpret the whole scenario. Standard sampling with an acceptable margin of error of plus or minus 20% required a minimum of 23 samples to represent the data set of 497 quarries. Besides, the reason for site selection was not furnished. Districts with the highest number of working quarries were avoided, it said.

The government claimed that the records attached to the report pertaining to the nature and timing of blasting conducted in quarries showed that blasting is carried out daily in two prefixed timings, with maximum 60 holes. It is rarely that a quarry in Kerala functioned with blasting of 60 holes at a time.

‘Area will come down’

The panel had erroneously created a circumstance to project maximum ground vibration in each case, which is “unfair and unjust.”

The government stated that the area suitable for mining in Kerala would come down substantially if the distance criteria is increased. It will result in imminent shortage of construction material, it claimed.

The joint committee comprised experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad; Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee; CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee; the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun; Directorate General of Mines Safety, Bengaluru; Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad; and the Central Pollution Control Board.

Read more »

Survey reveals presence of 12 more faunal species at PTR

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, September 22,2025

Bourdillon’s Blackbird, Sahyadri Grass Yellow, and Sahyadri Torrent-Hawk spotted during a biodiversity survey held at the Periyar Tiger Reserve from September 11 to 14.

A biodiversity survey at the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) has added 12 new species records to its faunal checklist, reaffirming its status as one of the most biodiverse landscapes in the Western Ghats.

The additions include eight butterflies, two odonates and two subspecies of birds.

The survey, held from September 11 to 14, was jointly organised by the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala Forest department and the Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation in collaboration with the Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS).

Teams were deployed across 26 strategic basecamps spread through the reserve’s 925-sq. km expanse, which straddles the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts.

Different habitats

PTR is one of India’s premier tiger reserves, renowned for its mosaic of tropical evergreen, deciduous, grassland and montane shola habitats.

The biodiverse-rich region supports more than 300 bird species, 200 butterflies, 100 odonates and megafauna such as tigers, elephants and gaurs.

A key focus of the survey was the assessment of butterfly diversity. The survey recorded 207 species, including eight new records.

These included the Sahyadri Grass Yellow (Eurema nilgiriensis), the Plain Orange-tip (Colotis aurora), Sahyadri Yellowjack Sailer (Lasippa viraja kanara), Lankan Plum Judy (Abisara echerius prunosa), Plain Banded Awl (Hasora vitta indica), Montane Hedge Hopper (Baracus subditus), Sahyadri Small Palm Bob (Suastus minuta bipunctus) and Indian Dart (Potanthus pseudomaesa).

The other notable observations included the Malabar Banded Peacock (Papilio buddha), Kerala’s State butterfly, and Western Ghats endemics such as Malabar Tree-Nymph, Nilgiri Tiger and Travancore Evening Brown.

New records

The odonate survey documented 71 species over the four-day period, with two new additions, increasing PTR’s checklist to 108 species.

The new records were the Sahyadri Torrent-Hawk (Macromia bellicosa) and Coorg Torrent-Hawk (Macromia ellisoni).

Several endemic odonates were also observed, including Laidlaw’s Horntail and the Travancore Bambootail.

Subspecies

Bird specialists confirmed the presence of two subspecies of resident birds, Bourdillon’s Blackbird (Turdus simillimus bourdilloni) and the White-throated Ground Thrush (Geokichla citrina cyanota). The iconic Great Indian Hornbill, Kerala’s state bird, was recorded from nearly all camps.

Other notable sightings included the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Grey-headed Bulbul, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Black-and-Orange Flycatcher, and Nilgiri Pipit.

The survey also documented about 40 species of ants, 15 species of herpetofauna, six species of cicadas and several mammals such as Bengal tigers, leopards, dholes, gaurs and elephants. The participants also observed smaller but ecologically significant mammals like the brown mongoose, striped-necked mongoose, small Indian civet, smooth-coated otter, Indian porcupine and black-naped hare.

PTR assistant field director Lakshmi R., who inaugurated the survey, emphasised the importance of community-scientist partnerships in biodiversity monitoring. Such surveys help bridge the gap between conservation managers and research groups, she pointed out.

'Living laboratory'

Pramod P.P., field director of the reserve, described PTR as a “living laboratory” of biodiversity.

“Each survey adds to our understanding of this fragile ecosystem and strengthens the case for its conservation. The new additions highlight how much remains to be discovered and protected in the Western Ghats,” he said.

Read more »

MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck caused ecological disruption in Arabian Sea, finds study

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

KOCHI, september 21, 2025

A scientific investigation carried out by the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), Ministry of Earth Sciences, has confirmed that the sinking of the container ship MSC Elsa 3 off Kerala coast on May 25, 2025, has led to significant ecological disruption in the south-eastern Arabian Sea.

The shipwreck impacted water quality, plankton, benthos, fish eggs and larvae, and other marine life.

The persistence of oil even after several days, highlighted the risk of continued leakage. The study underscored the urgent need for sealing of the wreck’s fuel compartments and long-term monitoring of the impacted region to safeguard marine ecosystems.

The analysis of PAH (Polyaromatic hydrocarbons) fractions revealed the presence of naphthalene, fluorene, anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and pyrene. The elevated levels of naphthalene, which normally indicate human-induced contamination, strongly suggested leakage from the wreck’s fuel compartments.

The study found that large numbers of fish eggs and larvae collected from the affected area showed signs of decay. On the seafloor, benthic organisms showed clear signs of ecological stress.

Sensitive species declined sharply within days of the incident, leaving behind only pollution-tolerant worms and bivalves.

Read more »

As monsoon starts retreating, Kerala likely to see below-normal rainfall

 

DHINESH KALLUNGAL, 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, September 16, 2025

With the southwest monsoon starting the formal withdrawal from the country, originally from Rajasthan on September 14, three days ahead of its normal withdrawal date, the four-month rainy season in Kerala is likely to conclude with below-normal rainfall this year.

The State has received 1,612.6 mm of rainfall as of September 15 against the seasonal average of 1,888.2 mm of rain, a shortfall of 15%. The shortfall is likely to widen slightly as the major oceanic parameters or atmospheric conditions are not favourable for pushing the monsoon current into the State during the fag end of the season.

The tentative latitude of upcoming weather systems in the Bay of Bengal is also not very favourable for triggering any intense spells in Kerala during the next two weeks. However, light to moderate and short-lived spells are expected to continue. As per the long-period average, Kerala has to receive a normal rainfall of 2,018.7 mm during the four-month season. Although the season is expected to be below normal, the southwest monsoon will be ‘normal’ in the logbook of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), as a deviation of within 19% of the long-period average is considered ‘normal’ (i.e., rain within the range of 1625.1 mm to 2412.3 mm is normal).

Rain-deficient districts

Though the monsoon was somewhat evenly distributed across the State this year, rain would be deficient in Idukki, Wayanad, and Malappuram, where rain is already 36%, 37% and 26% deficient. Last year also the southwest monsoon was 13% below normal in Kerala. However, the State received a normal northeast monsoon rainfall, replenishing the waterbodies. For Kerala, the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon is marked by the beginning of the northeast monsoon, with easterly winds becoming stronger up to 4.5 km above mean sea level.

This year, the evolving negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions, a climate driver characterised by cooler-than-normal sea surface temperature (SST) off the coast of Africa and warmer SST on the eastern side of the Indian Ocean, and the cool equatorial Pacific nearing the La Niña threshold may have a strong bearing on the northeast monsoon rainfall, according to experts.

Read more »

New dragonfly species discovered in Kerala

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

KANNUR, july 21, 2025

A new species of dragonfly, Lyriothemis abrahami, which was previously misidentified as Lyriothemis flava due to superficial similarities, has been officially documented after over a decade of painstaking fieldwork, larval rearing and scientific review by researchers from the Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS), the Zoological Survey of India, Pala Alphonsa College, and the Institute of Tropical Research, Ecology and Conservation.

The discovery, published in the journal Entomon, after five rigorous rounds of peer review, marks a major milestone in dragonfly taxonomy in India and underscores the ecological significance of the Western Ghats. The discovery honours Abraham Samuel, a pioneer in odonatology.

Kalesh Sadasivan, director, TNHS, said that the first clues emerged in May 2013 during a trek by researchers, including him, TNHS director Jayakumar K., the late Kiran C.G. and K. Baiju, in the forests of Thenmala. A dragonfly guarding a tree hole caught their attention due to its distinct features.

He said despite photographic evidence and parallel observation in Thattekkad and north Kerala, the team refrained from publishing their findings out of respect for simultaneous efforts by other researchers. A single specimen collected then was left with the late Kiran, whose death led to the loss of the initial sample.

Mr. Sadasivan said between 2013 and 2025 the species was spotted only four times in Ponmudi, Kallar, Neyyar and the Peppara wildlife sanctuary. “The rarity of sighting cast doubt on the distinctness of the species,” he said.

He said a breakthrough came in 2022 when field ecologist Jebin Jose located larvae in a tree hole, enabling the team to begin rearing the species at a homestead under controlled conditions. However, lab-reared adults failed to display mature colouration required for taxonomic description, Mr. Sadasivan said. The final success came in 2025 when four mature adults were collected, one from the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur and three from Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram.

He said the species bred in small water pools in tree holes and exhibits strong dimorphism, with males featuring uniquely shaped hamules and female displaying jet black bodies with yellow triangular spots. Its distribution spanned from lowland rainforests to mid-elevation evergreen and deciduous forests between 50 m and 1,100 m above sea level.

The finding increased Kerala’s odonate species count to 191, including 78 endemic species, said Vinayan Padmanabhan Nair, co-author, emphasising the Western Ghats’ global biodiversity significance.

Read more »

Rare Great Hornbill sighting sparks hope for biodiversity

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

KANNUR, july 9, 2025

In a rare and remarkable sighting, the Malamuzhakki Vezhambal (Great Hornbill), Kerala’s State bird, was spotted in the coastal belt of Kakkampara, near Ezhimala in Kannur, an area far from its usual forested habitats.

The bird was first observed perched on a fig-laden Ficus exasperata tree on May 24 and later flew towards the Ezhimala Naval Academy’s forecasted campus.

Birdwatchers Manoj Karingamathil, P. Jameela and Abhinav Jeevan, a student of the Forestry department in Sir Syed College, Taliparamba, confirmed the sighting and said the bird spotted was a male.The hornbill remained in the area for about two weeks, foraging from fruit-bearing trees and occasionally flying to neighbouring regions, said Mr. Manoj.

He said the bird was first noticed by Abhinav’s relatives, who without knowing the rarity of the bird sighting, used its photos asWhatsAppstatus. When the photos came to the notice of Abhinav, he immediately informed us,said Mr. Manoj.

Habitats

Typically found in Kerala’s evergreen and moist deciduous forests such as the Silent Valley, Nelliampathy, Athirappilly, Aralam and Parambikulam, the Hornbill is rarely seen in coastal areas, he said, adding that its unexpected presence is hailed as an ecological indicator.

There were very few reports of the birds being sighted near forest regions of the Aralam and Karimbam farms. However, there is no public documentation, he claimed.

Ramanthali grama panchayat president V. Shyma said the sighting is significant proof that the region remains a biodiversity hotspot despite human habitation. “This reflects the ecological richness of the area,” she said.

Sneha Subhash, head of the Department of Forestry, Sir Syed College, emphasised the need for further studies on the Great Hornbil’s movement to coastal hills. “Such occurrences near the sea are unusual and point to the broader ecological value of the region,“ she said.

Conservation calls

Listed as Endangered by the IUCN and protected under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, the Great Hornbill’s appearance in Ezhimala has sparked both excitement and renewed calls for conservation efforts in the area.

Read more »

Fungus threat to endangered Western Ghats tree

 

MINI MURINGATHERI, 

THRISSUR, The Hindu

Scientists have sounded the alarm on a newly detected fungal disease attacking Dipterocarpus bourdillonii, a critically endangered tree endemic to the Western Ghats.

The phytopathogen, Corynespora cassiicola, a highly aggressive fungus, is known to infect more than 530 plant species.

The findings of Shambhu Kumar, Principal Scientist and Head, Forest Pathology Department, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, along with Raghvendra Singh, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, have been published in the June 17th edition of Mycosphere journal.

Serious concerns

This marks the first recorded instance of the pathogen affecting D. bourdillonii, raising serious conservation concerns. The fungus was identified based on morpho-cultural characteristics and molecular phylogenetic evidence.

Detection of the emerging leaf spot and blight disease highlights the urgent need for disease surveillance and integrated conservation strategies to protect one of Western Ghats’ most vulnerable rainforest trees. “Dipterocarpus bourdillonii (family: Dipterocarpaceae) is a critically endangered tree species listed on the IUCN Red List. Endemic to the Western Ghats of India, it plays a vital ecological role in maintaining rainforest canopy structure and supporting biodiversity.

Economically, its hardwood is valued for construction and furniture, while its oleoresin (wood oil) has traditional medicinal and industrial uses. The emergence of this additional biotic threat underscores the urgent need for conservation measures,” Mr. Kumar said. The investigation using morpho-molecular tools is of significant importance.

Molecular identification ensures accurate pathogen detection, overcoming the limitations of morphology-based methods and facilitating early diagnosis and monitoring.

This study is crucial for understanding the disease’s epidemiology, guiding effective disease management strategies, and safeguarding this threatened species.

Additionally, it contributes to forest health surveillance and supports both ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts, Mr. Kumar pointed out.

Corynespora cassiicola is a widespread phytopathogen causing leaf spots, target spots, and blight diseases in a wide range of plant species, including economically important crops such as rubber, soybean, tomato, cucumber, cotton, besides medicinal and ornamental plants.

Humid climates

It thrives in warm, humid climates and spreads through conidia (spores produced by fungi) via wind, water, and human activity.

The pathogen impairs photosynthesis, leading to defoliation, reduced yield, and plant death in severe cases.

Management of the pathogen involves the use of resistant cultivars, cultural practices (e.g., proper spacing and removal of infected parts), and fungicides such as mancozeb and azoxystrobin.

Read more »

Uncertainty over land rights on forest fringe settlements

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

KOTTAYAM, june 12, 2025

Interventions at the highest levels notwithstanding, the dark cloud of uncertainty that is hovering over families living along the fringes of the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) and the Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary refuses to part — in the absence of a definitive solution regarding their land rights.

Acting on the State Wildlife Board’s recommendation to redraw the boundaries of the PTR and the bird sanctuary, a committee constituted by the National Board for Wildlife visited Pampavalley and Thattekkadu villages in April this year. Based on these visits, the committee recommended that the State government formulate and implement appropriate guidelines and an action plan in alignment with the Zonal Master Plan mandated for Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) ‘‘to promote sustainable development practices’’ in the Thattekkadu and Pampavalley settlement areas.

The proposal also requires the State to transfer 502 hectares of forestland from the Goodrical range in Pathanamthitta to the PTR to compensate for the exclusion of Pampavalley. Similarly, 1,016.94 hectares from the Neriamangalam range under the Munnar forest division must be transferred to offset the reduction in the Thattekkadu sanctuary.

Having accepted the inspection team’s recommendations, the National Board for Wildlife has deferred a final decision until the State government submits the necessary guidelines, action plan and details of the compensatory land to be included in the reserve. While the board has expressed concern that the excluded areas may be vulnerable to future encroachments without clear guidelines, residents fear that any new guidelines may end up imposing further forest regulations on their land.

“We are apprehensive about the proposed recommendations, especially the action plan to be drawn up by the Forest department. Even if the land is technically excluded from forest limits, ESZ restrictions could still apply. What we want is the freedom to exercise our rights over our land,” said Fr. Mathew Nirappel, vicar of St. Thomas Church, Kanamala.

Bureaucratic delays

Sijumon Francis, general secretary of the Farmers Awareness Revival Movement (FARM), which leads the protests in Thattekkadu, has urged the State government to step in and ensure that the redrawing of boundaries doesn’t get entangled in bureaucratic delays.

Read more »

Seed balls to heal forests and prevent wildlife conflicts

 

SARATH BABU GEORGE, 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, may 19,2025

The Forest department is set to roll out an innovative ecological restoration initiative using ‘seed balls’, made from a mix of native plant seeds, soil, compost, cow dung and natural fungicides like turmeric.

Designed to germinate wherever they land, these eco-friendly capsules (vitthundas, in local parlance) offer a low-cost solution to reviving degraded landscapes. Beyond reforestation, the effort aims at mitigating human-wildlife conflict by enriching natural food sources within forest areas, thereby reducing the incentive for wild animals to venture into human habitats.

Focus on native species

The ambitious initiative ‘Vitthoot’, which will be conducted from June 15 to August 15, has been integrated into the department’s comprehensive Mission Food, Fodder and Water project which aims to enhance wildlife habitats by ensuring water and food availability in forests. It will focus on local species such as bamboo and fruit-bearing trees like Syzygium cumini (jamun), Ficus genus (figs) and jackfruits, which are vital food sources for wildlife.

“Seed balls are usually employed in remote and inaccessible areas, including deserts and regions hit by fires or invasive species,” an official said. “This method has never been implemented before in Kerala, where we traditionally plant saplings as part of afforestation drives.”

The seed ball programme will focus on degraded forests, exposed hilltops, abandoned plantations, weed-infested areas, fire-burnt and landslide-hit zones and dam catchment areas.

Sites identified

The department has identified specific regions, with each forest section considered as a unit for planting. For every identified site, which can range from 10 cents to 3 hectares, approximately 2,000 seed balls will be planted per acre. At least five identified locations will be covered each day during the two-month-long project.

Collaborative efforts

The initative will be carried out in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Research Institute, which is overseeing training in seed ball preparation. It will also see wide community involvement with Kudumbashree, Haritha Karma Sena workers, Eco-Development Committee and Vana Samrakshana Samithi members, NCC and SPC cadets, and local schools and colleges playing active roles in the preparation and distribution of the seed balls.

Read more »

A Centre-State ‘rice deal’ that secured the shelter of Nilgiri tahrs in Munnar

 

SANDEEP VELLARAM, 

IDUKKI, the hindu, april 1 2025

Fifty years ago, the Eravikulam National Park (ENP), the pristine habitat of the Nilgiri tahr in Munnar, was almost lost to land redistribution. But an unusual backroom deal, sealed over wagons of rice, changed its fate forever.

On March 31, the park celebrated the golden jubilee of its declaration as the Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary. It was after a silent movement by a group of people that Eravikulam was declared a protected area. The sanctuary was created in 1975 to protect the Nilgiri tahr and it was named ENP in 1978.

According to records, around 1975, the government decided to give land to landless people. But the then Kanan Devan Hills Plantations managers J.C. Godsbery, Samar Singh and K.N. Chenkappa intervened and called Union government Secretary M.K. Ranjith Sinh to Munnar. After the visit, Mr. Sinh submitted a report to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In his book A Life with Wildlife – From Princely India to Present, Mr. Sinh said, “Indira Gandhi wrote a letter to the then Kerala Chief Minister C. Achutha Menon requesting him to declare the area a national park. The matter, however, was in limbo, with the State government remaining indecisive for fear of a political fallout.”

The book further describes how a rice deal resulted in the declaration of the park. “Minister of State for Food Anna Shaheb Shinde temporarily assumed additional responsibility for the portfolio of Forests and Wildlife. One day, he asked me if any forest-related issues were pending in Kerala and told me that Kerala Minister Baby John was arriving for a meeting. I told him about the Eravikulam issue and he asked me to join the meeting,” said the book.

40 wagons of rice

“During the meeting, Baby John informed him about the shortage of rice in Kerala and sought 40 rail wagons of rice. With a disarming smile, Shinde offered 25 wagons of rice and enquired about the national park declaration. Baby John, returning the smile, said that the State was actively considering the declaration... In the end, 36 wagons of rice were agreed upon in exchange for the protection of the sanctuary... Today, this exchange resembles a fanciful tale. But it did happen,” narrated the book.

Read more »