MYRISTICA SWAMPS
Source: Conservationindia
MYRISTICA SWAMPS-
- Myristica swamps are freshwater swamps predominated by members of the Myristicaceae family.
- These forests are characterized by trees with large producing roots jutting out of water logged soil which remains inundated throughout the year.
- They have evolved over millions of years and are comprised of old-growth trees.
- In India, this type of swamp occurs in the Western Ghats and a smaller distribution exists in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- The formation of these swamps is dependent on abiotic conditions like the shape of the valley between the forest hills, the amount of rainfall, and water availability throughout the year.
- Myristica swamps are generally seen next to rivers and help in retaining water and act as a sponge, ensuring perennial water availability.
- Historically, they formed a large hydrological network all along the Western Ghats.
Species Distribution-
- Most plant species in myristica swamps are restricted in their distribution and have specific structural and physiological adaptations suited for the swamp.
- Approximately 79 species of trees, 26 species of shrubs, 27 species of climbers and 44 species of herb species have been recorded from myristica swamps.
- They display high florist in endemism, nearly 23 tree species are endemic to western ghats.
- Myristica swamps are refugia for many vertebrate and invertebrate faunal species. This is due to stable macro ecological conditions like high humidity, moderate temperature and macro habitat availability.
- The myristica swamp tree frog ( Mercurana myristicapalustris), is only reported from a few pockets of the Shendurney and Peppara Wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.
- Three endemic freshwater fishes have also been reported from myristica swamps.
- Hymenopterans were the most abundant and diverse group of insects followed by assemblages of herbivorous insects in the canopy of forests.
- Over 206 species of Butterfly the swamps in Kerala and over 80 species of plants native to these swamps are host plants for butterflies.
Distribution-
The swamps occur on either side of first-order streams. The swamp boundary is visible clearly due to the presence of stilt roots. 51 swamps are located in north Karnataka.
The swamps ranged in area from about 0.25 to 10 hectares.
In Kerala, these swamps are distributed over about 39,000sq km.
Threats to myristica swamps-
- Myristica swamps exist as small, isolated pockets and are one of the most threatened ecosystems in India.
- Many swamps are in reserve forests or sacred groves.
- These swamps are traditionally offered protection from cultural and religious beliefs, but only some come under the protected area network.
- The main threat comes from the conversion of land for hydel projects, paddy fields or horticulture gardens, eucalyptus, teak and Areca nut plantations.
- Diversion of water from the swamps to the plantations and the building of check dams for potable water is detrimental to these ecosystems that have otherwise evolved to survive in perennially flowing water.
- It threatens soil productivity and leads to water security in the region.
- Myristican swamp forests are also exploited for non-timber forest products(NTFP) collection & medicinal plants.
- Myristica fragrans are commercially cultivated and their seed, mace are commonly used as a spice and in traditional medicine.
- Loss of Myristica swamps directly threatens species adapted to live in these swamps with extinction while losing out on important ecosystem services provided by these swamps.
Conservation-
- There is a need for a coherent policy on myristica swamp conservation that involves local communities and the forest department of respective states.
- Myristica sites should be designated as community conservation areas and the focus should be on the ecological restoration of degraded swamps.
- A formal designation of 'myristica swamp forest' is a crucial step from land conversion and other forms of destruction.
- The scope of research must also be increased to assess the scale of damage to the swamps in real-time and formulate a comprehensive protection plan for each site.
