About Myristica swamp forest in Kumbral: UPSC Current Affairs

MYRISTICA SWAMP

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Context

A group of researchers from Dodamarg, have discovered a sacred grove— a Myristica swamp forest in Kumbral, which is protected by the local community.

Details

About Myristica Swamps

Myristica swamps are rare, freshwater swamp forests located primarily in the Western Ghats.
They are ancient ecosystems, referred to as "relic forests."
They preserve species that date back to the time of the Gondwanaland supercontinent.

Key Characteristics

They are found in isolated pockets primarily in Kerala and Karnataka.
The dominant tree species belong to the Myristicaceaefamily, known for producing a red resinous sap.
These swamps host a wide variety of fauna, including 630 species, ranging from flatworms to large mammals.
Amphibians, such as the Kumbara Night Frog and fish species like Dawkinsia arulius, are commonly found here.
Species of Myristica has stilt roots/ knee rootsto breathe.
These are believed to be the Home to various endemic plantsof the Western Ghats.
For instance Myristica malabaricais closely associated with nutmeg. Myristica fatue, is a rare plant, which have a population of less than 20 trees in Kerala.
They support a vulnerable species, as listed in IUCN Red Data book, Syzygium travencuricum.

Ecological Importance

These swamp forests act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater and releasing it slowly, thus playing a critical role in maintaining the hydrology of the Western Ghats.
Myristica swamps store large amounts of carbon, helping to regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
With their unique mix of flora and fauna, these swamps are critical for conserving biodiversity in the Western Ghats.

Threats

Human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and logging have led to the degradation of many Myristica swamps.
They are often drained for cultivation or converted into plantations.
Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns threaten these ecosystems, which rely on specific water conditions to thrive.

About Myristica magnifica

Myristica magnifica is a species of plant in the family Myristicaceae.
It is native to Karnataka and Kerala.
It is classified as an endangered species according to the IUCN Red List.
The plant grows in terrestrial but swampy habitats along streams in evergreen forests.
The tree grows upto 20 m tall.
It is seen to have stilt roots that support the main trunk of the tree.

Read about sacred groves: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/sacred-groves

Read about Western Ghats: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/new-plant-species-found-in-western-ghats

Read about degradation of Myristica swamps: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/myristica-swamp#:~:text=Myristica%20swamps%20are%20a%20type,oldest%20flowering%20plants%20on%20earth.

Sources:TimesofIndia

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: Consider the following statements about Western Ghats:

1. The Ghats traverse five States in India.

2. Dodabetta peak is the highest peak in Western Ghats.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: d

Explanation:

1^st statement is incorrect: chain of mountains running parallel to India’s western coast, approximately 30-50 km inland, the Ghats traverse the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

2^nd statement is incorrect: The Anamudi peak in Kerala, at a height of 2695 metres, is the highest peak in the Western Ghats. In Tamil Nadu, the Dodabetta peak near Ooty is also quite high, with an elevation of 2637 metres.