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Heronries in Wayanad under threat

Extensive sand-mining and plundering of forests have scripted the end of many breeding sites

UNDER PRESSURE: These heronries may be gone for ever.

The breeding sites of herons, heronries to wildlife enthusiasts, are under threat in Wayanad district. With its rich greenery and varied eco-systems the district supports numerous life forms including a wide range of bird species. "There are around 300 species," says C.K. Vishnudas, ornithologist.

Blessed with small and large rivulets, this green region has always been a haven for inland water birds such as herons, egrets, ducks and crakes.

The herons and egrets of Wayanad used to breed in the bamboo patches along the river basins and small islands on rivers. During the eighties Wayanad had around 28 small and large heronries. Today it has come down to seven. "Many of them are facing severe threats including destruction of nesting trees," said Vishnudas.

Due to increased pressure on forested areas and the plundering of natural reserves for agricultural purposes, breeding sites have diminished. According to field observations carried out by Mr. Vishnudas during the past 15 years, there has been a steep fall in the number of birds breeding in many of the existing heronries. The largest heronry in Wayanad is said to be at Panamaram.

The core of this heronry is a one-acre island on the Panamaram `puzha.' Around 2,000 birds of different species such as little egrets, medium egrets, large egrets, pond herons, night herons, and little cormorants are found to breed in this tiny island in this season.

During the breeding season of egrets, thousands of mynas are also found to roost inside the heronry. This apart, globally threatened White ibises and Openbill storks also roost in the surrounding areas. During winter, a good number of migratory ducks including spot bill ducks are also found here.

The fresh water swamp on both sides of the Panamaram - Nadavayal road is also a habitat of lesser whistling teals locally known as `kattutharavu' and pheasant-tailed jacana — a locally rare species.

The Panamaram heronry faces many problems. Local people collect firewood from the breeding site and there is extensive sand-mining. The sand-mining has caused the river banks to slide and the heronry would disappear in the near future, says Mr. Vishnudas. Birds prefer these areas for nesting as the vast expanse of paddy fields at Panamaram enable easy foraging. "The nests of pond herons at Panamaram came down to 27 from 115 in 1992. In 1992, there were 95 nests of night herons. This has come down to 40 this year," Mr. Vishnudas said.

R. Madhavan Nair

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