• UGI USER
  • Nov 20, 2023
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KADALUNDI’S SHRINKING MUDFLAT ECOSYSTEM: A THREAT TO MIGRANT BIRDS

Why in the News?

  • Kadalundi, a village in Kerala, once boasted 8 hectares of nutrient-rich mudflats, a haven for migratory shorebirds.
  • However, over the years, this critical ecosystem has dwindled to a mere 1 hectare, now gradually succumbing to sand coverage.

Current Scenario:

  • The shrinking mudflats of Kadalundi, once a haven for migratory shorebirds, are now encroached upon by sand, leaving the birds without their vital prey and putting their survival at risk..

Alarm Bells:

  • Researchers emphasize that without immediate protection and restoration measures, Kadalundi risks losing its status as a prominent destination for migrant shorebirds within a decade.
  • The prey-rich mudflats, home to polychaetes and crustaceans, serve as a crucial attraction for these migratory birds.

Government Response:

  • Despite pleas to protect the mudflat ecosystem, the government has been slow to act.
  • The threat primarily comes from invasive elements like sandbanks and mangroves.

Mangrove Expansion and Ecotourism:

  • In contrast, the push for ecotourism in the Kadalundi-Vallikunnu Community Reserve involves the expansion of mangroves.
  • While efforts are being made to promote ecotourism, the proliferation of mangroves poses a significant threat to the mudflats.

Carbon Sequestration Debate:

  • The mangrove lobby defends its expansion by citing carbon sequestration
  • However, researchers argue that the significance of soil and mud in carbon sequestration is often underestimated.
  • Wetlands and grasslands, like the original mudflats, can outperform forests in carbon sequestration.

Holistic Approach Needed:

  • Experts emphasize a holistic approach to preserve ecosystems and restore degraded ones.
  • Haphazard tree planting without understanding ecosystem dynamics can have negative consequences.

Mudflats vs. Mangroves:

  • Studies reveal that the mudflats, not mangroves, attract shorebirds.
  • However, the depletion of prey due to sandbanks and mangrove proliferation is driving these birds away.

With the mudflats facing degradation, the once-abundant migratory birds are seeking alternatives on the beaches of neighbouring coasts, highlighting the urgency of conserving this unique ecosystem in Kadalungi.