June 12, Kochi – In a pre-monsoon survey conducted by the forest department in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), it has come to light that the indigenous species in the region are facing threats due to the increase in the exotic species such as ‘Cat Fish’. The detailed survey by a special task force of 75 experts has been conducted between May 16th and May 19th.
Meanwhile, the experts who conducted the survey stated that the study is not a final conclusion, but an initial inference and further studies will be conducted in the later part of the South west monsoon and in the latter part of the year.
In a survey that took into account 56 species (highest ever species that was considered in PTR since 1940), it also found the presence of new species in the tributaries of the PTR. However, molecular studies will have to be conducted to ensure whether the species are new or are the subspecies of the existing fish species.
Water bodies of the PTR region account for 30 per cent of the fish species that are found in the state. Four exotic fish species, including Clarias gariepinus (African Catfish), Cyprinus carpio (Common Carp), Oreochromis mossambicus (Mozambique Tilapia), and Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia) were recorded in the survey.
“Over the years we have observed a decline in cormorants and darters in our lake. This can be attributed to the decrease in population of native fishes and increase in the population of catfish. In 1986, catfish from a nearby fish farm had entered the lake during floods”, said Periyar East Assistant Field Director P J Shuhaib to TV9.
“We need to conduct more observations to arrive at a conclusion. The population of birds are decreasing. Initial studies have found a shift to the eastern part of lakes. Simultaneously we need to conduct a bird and fish survey. Now, per day we are eradicating the cat fish. We don’t know what the implications will be. Fortunately, we have a solid Eco Development Committee (EDC) composed of fishermen who are doing a commendable job as of now”, added PJ Shuhaib to TV9.
The study to find the abundance of odonates like damselflies and dragonflies revealed the presence of 120 species as against the previous record of 116 species. This is the highest number of odonates ever recorded in any protected area in Kerala, and comprises 63% of the odonate diversity of Kerala and around 55% of Western Ghats.
After identifying the threat posed by exotic species to native species, the forest department had initiated steps to eradicate exotic species. Around 2,780 catfishes were eradicated during the past two years.
In a survey that took into account 56 species (highest ever species that was considered in PTR since 1940), it also found the presence of new species in the tributaries of the PTR Kerala States News India: Top News India, States News, States News Headlines, Online State News India, State Politics news
