Watery Wetlands: Part 1

Posted 5 Comments by Earthly Notes

Wetlands possess distinctive characteristics that make it a unique habitat. Imagine a sponge which is soaked with water. Wetlands are something like that. They are temporarily (seasonally) or permanently soaked with water.

Image: Usually when we say the word “wetlands” in India, you might imagine an image of mudflats filled with flamingos. But that is just one kind of wetland
we find here!

Wetlands can be the areas close to the seashore, where coral reefs are seen or where sea grasses grow. Wetlands can also be the creeks that carry saline water of the sea into the land. Wetlands also harbour mangrove forests while others can be barren with almost no vegetation. Swamps and bogs are also considered wetlands, and so are some areas around lakes and rivers. Wetlands can be also be human made, like the reservoir areas (of dams) and the salt pans.

Despite all of this diversity, wetlands are not usually in the limelight. But they ought to be. Wetlands play a very important ecological role, that not only supports a huge variety of flora and fauna but also maintains a lot of checks and balances in the environment. So on this World Wetlands Day (2024), let me take you through some amazing wetlands of India.

NORTH: TSOKAR (Ladakh)
Tsokar, a high-altitude lake is nestled in the mesmerising landscapes of the Ladakh region. This lake is saline and yet the locals know of a few secret fresh water springs that emerge from near it. Tsokar supports a great deal of wildlife including some uncommon migratory bird species.
EAST:  KEIBUL LAMJAO (Manipur)

Did you know Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is the world’s only floating national park?! Yes, you read it right! Its floating! The park is a small part of the more famous Loktak Lake, which is spread out to around
250 sq kms. Unlike in other National Parks, where you head for a “safari” on a vehicle; here you go on a boat! The boat takes you through the water channels which is interspersed with “Phumdis”.

You can see phumdis on either side of the boat here. Phumdis are basically an amalgamation of decomposed plants, soil and other organic material which floats in the water. Since they float, they move based on the water currents. If you stand on one of these smaller phumdis, you will find yourself bobbing up and down! The Keibul Lamjao National Park is home to the rare brow-antlered deer, which are found only in these specialised habitats.
SOUTH: PALLIKARANAI MARSHES (Tamil Nadu)
These wetlands are located near the heart of Chennai city. Owing to its close distance to the metro city, Pallikaranai marshes are in a vulnerable position. They face several challenges like pollution, urbanisation, encroachment, habitat degradation, drainage issues etc. Yet, the area harbours several migratory species and that too in good numbers. Unlike other pristine locations, Pallikaranai is an example of how wildlife can thrive even in the most unlikely of crowded and polluted places.
WEST: TILLARI MYRISTICA SWAMPS (Maharashtra)
Myristica forests are swampy freshwater areas which are dominated by trees belonging to the Myristica genus. Typically, you would not even be able to stand on firm land in such forests, for the entire patch have
crisscrossing streams which form the only channel through where you can move. The knotted roots of the trees border the streams and the sunlight barely reaches the forest floor. This forest really seems like as though you have been transported into an alternate world.

And on that wonderful note, I bid you adieu. Take some time out on this #WorldWetlandsDay and find out more about how these specialized habitat safeguard our environment.

VISIT: Watery Wetlands: Part 2

Learn more about wetlands by understanding Ramsar Sites.

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My name is Adithi Muralidhar. I am a nature enthusiast based in Mumbai, India.

5 Comments Leave a comment ›

  1. Hey,

    Thanks for this! Love wetlands 🙂

    Btw, if possible, could you share about how to plan a trip to the last one?

    With regards, Geetanjali.

    Like

  3. Pingback: Watery Wetlands: Part 2 – Earthly Notes

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