Pathiramanal gets local biodiversity heritage site tag

ALAPPUZHA: Pathiramanal, the picturesque isle in Vembanad lake, which is a part of Muhamma grama panchayat, has been declared as Alappuzha’s first local biodiversity heritage site. A part of the famous island will also be converted into a bird sanctuary soon.
The declaration was made by Haritha Kerala Mission chairperson T N Seema online after Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) approved the island’s biodiversity report prepared by the board’s district wing.
Areas rich in biodiversity and cultural importance are identified as biodiversity heritage sites by the government in consultation with panchayat biodiversity management committees through state biodiversity boards.
Pathiramanal, a treasure trove of nature, has an abundance of four species of mangroves that grow in freshwater. As per the report, the island, which is 13km away from Alappuzha town, is home to 160 species of flowering plants and nine species of ferns (flowerless plants). There are 52 species of trees, 21 species of shrubs, 72 species of herbs and 13 species of climbers.
Five mammal species live in the island which also boasts of 18 species of amphibians, 12 reptile species, 89 bird species, 106 butterfly species and 18 species of dragonflies.
In the waters near the island, there are as many as 120 species of aquatic organisms, including fishes. The isle’s biodiversity report was prepared by KSSB’s team led by its district technical wing members Jose Mathew and Sandeep Unnikrishnan.
Muhamma grama panchayat president J Jayalal said as the island has been declared as a local biodiversity heritage site steps will be taken to convert it into a biodiversity ‘study centre’. The grama panchayat, with the support of Kudmbashree’s Haritha Karma Sena has also started running a small eatery on the island for visitors.