Kole wetlands, an ecologically significant Ramsar site teeming with biodiversity, faces a grave menace in the form of Cabomba furcuta, an invasive species also known as Pink Bloom. Originally from Central and South America, this submerged perennial aquatic plant was introduced to Kerala as an aquarium ornament but has since infiltrated natural habitats. It proliferates rapidly, posing a significant threat to stagnant and slow-flowing freshwater ecosystems. Cabomba furcuta’s aggressive growth depletes oxygen levels, clogs water bodies, disrupts native plant diversity, and negatively impacts freshwater fish yields. The Kole wetlands, Kerala’s largest brackish tropical wetland, are vital to migratory birds along the central Asian Flyway.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Ramsar Site: Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
- Invasive Species: Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new ecosystem, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
- Central Asian Flyway: The Central Asian Flyway is a major migratory bird route that extends from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean, used by numerous bird species during their annual migrations.
- Brackish: Brackish water is a mix of freshwater and seawater, often found in estuaries, coastal areas, and wetlands.
- Chalakudy River and Bharathapuzha River: These are two important rivers in Kerala, India, with Kole wetlands extending between their banks.