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Forest plans threaten Kerala's wildlife, says expert
7 Oct
Summary
- Unscientific forest management harms wildlife habitats.
- Poor regeneration observed in Wayanad forests.
- Artificial waterholes may disrupt wetland ecosystems.
Unscientific and poorly planned management of forests and protected areas in Kerala could severely harm wildlife habitats and hinder natural regeneration, according to P.O. Nameer, dean of forestry at Kerala Agricultural University. He emphasized that conservation efforts must be rooted in scientific assessments of local ecosystems.
Nameer cautioned against practices like clearing up to 10 meters of vegetation along forest paths, which, despite appearing green, can disrupt natural regeneration processes. Evidence from Wayanad forests, showing an absence of young trees, suggests a long-term regeneration problem.
Further concerns involve the construction of artificial waterholes near paddy fields, which could deplete water sources and damage wetland ecosystems. Nameer also noted that animals often prefer natural water sources over artificial ones.
Additionally, afforestation on beaches can alter coastal wetland ecosystems, and the use of invasive species in grassland restoration efforts, such as Pennisetum clandestinum, raises questions about genuine ecological restoration versus 'greenwashing'. True restoration requires the return of all associated species, not just larger animals.
