In a landmark decision for biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats, the Karnataka State Western Ghats Conservation Task Force has announced immediate plans to designate the state’s rare and fragmented Myristica Swamps as Biodiversity Heritage Sites. This urgent move aims to safeguard one of the planet’s most unique and vulnerable ecosystems.
The designation is critical because these swamps—found primarily in patches across Karnataka and Kerala—play a non-negotiable role in maintaining the health and water security of the entire region.
The Significance of the Swamps
Myristica swamps are ancient, freshwater ecosystems indigenous to the Western Ghats. They derive their name from the dominance of evergreen trees belonging to the Myristica family (which also includes nutmeg).
- Water Security: Ecologists describe these swamps as the “water feeders” of the Western Ghats. They act as natural sponges, absorbing massive amounts of rainwater during the monsoon and slowly releasing it throughout the year. This steady release of water is crucial for maintaining river streams and ensuring perennial water supply to the surrounding forests and human populations.
- Habitat Loss: Despite their immense ecological value, Myristica swamps have been severely impacted by habitat loss. Many patches have been cleared or bulldozed by private parties for commercial plantations (such as coffee and tea) and farmland expansion, resulting in severe fragmentation.
A Race Against Time
The chairman of the Karnataka State Western Ghats Conservation Task Force confirmed that the process to designate the swamps under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is an immediate priority.
The move bypasses the slow process of detailed GIS mapping in favor of immediate protection, as conservationists argue that any delay would result in the irreversible loss of these small, vital patches of land.
By declaring these areas as Biodiversity Heritage Sites, the government is establishing robust legal protection for the swamps, ensuring that the unique genetic and ecological integrity of this ecosystem—which is crucial for the climate resilience of the Western Ghats—is preserved for future generations.
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