SPECIES OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY 2013

HERONS OF KERALA GET A HOME

Photo Courtesy: www.flicker.com

Class         : Aves

Subclass    : Neornithes

Infraclass  : Neognathae

Superorder: Neoaves

Order        : Pelecaniformes

Family      : Ardeidae

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) is preparing to take up a state-wide programme for conservation of herons, a species facing threat from habitat loss and game hunting.The participatory project, to be launched at Panamaram in Wayanad, will involve panchayat-level Biodiversity Management Committees and landowners. The KSBB has plans to set up heronries in areas frequented by the birds.

Once a common sight across Kerala, the elegant birds have undergone a sharp decline in numbers following the destruction of their nesting grounds. Pesticide poisoning and the popularity of game hunting have also worsened their plight.In 2011, the KSBB had joined hands with the Kottayam Nature Society to implement a pilot project in 21 heronries in Kuttanad. The Board is preparing to take up the new programme based on the lessons imbibed from the pilot projects.

Panamaram has been identified for the launch of the programme because of the presence of a large heronry located on a small islet spread over 1.5 acres. Local people have alerted us to the need to replant the decaying bamboos on the islet where the herons nest.

The heronry at Panamaram is home to several species of water birds including the Cattle egret and the Black-headed ibis.The sound produced by nesting herons and their droppings are considered a menace, often forcing people to scare them away.

Website: www.keralabiodiversity.org