A freshwater swamp on 0.004 per cent of Kerala, holding 16.3 per cent of Western Ghats endemics
Background
Among Kerala's wetlands the Myristica swamps stand apart, and the Kerala Forest Department records that they face habitat destruction, developmental activities and climate change.
The Kerala Forest Department describes Myristica swamps as unique freshwater swamp ecosystems found in select regions of the Southern Western Ghats, dominated by Myristica species.
They sit in low-lying evergreen forest areas that remain waterlogged throughout the year, and the trees carry stilt roots for structural support and pneumatophores, or breathing roots, to respire in oxygen-poor soil.
They cover just 0.004% of Kerala's total land area yet harbour 16.3% of the endemic species of the Western Ghats.
Kulathupuzha, Shendurney, Arippa, Madathara, Palode and Anchal are among the notable Myristica swamp areas of Kerala.
Their existence was first documented by the botanist and forest officer Krishnamurthy, in the Travancore forests.
In plain words
Pneumatophores Breathing roots — Roots with air spaces that let a swamp tree breathe in waterlogged soil.
Endemic species A species found only in one region — A plant or animal that occurs naturally in one region and nowhere else.