Abstract

This study attempts delineation of Myristica swamps as a unique phyto-geographical entity to aid its conservation and restoration. The objectives of the study are: (a) surveying and mapping the swamps in order to determine their area and spatial distribution patterns; (b) to examine the topography and climatological factors with a view of identifying past distribution of the Myristica swamps and for identifying potential area for regenerating; (c) to study the floristic structure and diversity of the Myristica swamps; (d) to examine the reproductive phenology and regeneration techniques of the Rare, Endangered and Threatened species of trees found in swamps.

Sixty swamp patches with total land area of 149.75 ha were mapped in the study area, of which 47 individual swamps drain into Kallada River system and 13 to Ithikkara River system. area of Myristica swamps).GIS simulation revealed that 148.57 km2 area of Kerala’s forest area has a potential to support Myristica swamps. Fifty eight trees species and 2246 individuals were recorded in sample plots (19) inside the swamps. The two dominant trees, Gymnacranthera farquhariana and Myristica fatua var. magnifica constituted 33.84 percent and 30.77 percent of total number of trees respectively. These species also showed the highest IVI, basal area, density and frequency. Although, the swamps had a more or less uniform vegetation composition (dominated by Myristicaceous species), the vegetation composition of each swamp differed minutely as reflected in the alpha diversity indices. The tree composition in individual swamps was not affected significantly by the swamp’s size or variations in abiotic factors such as temperature, humidity and rainfall but only by the ‘area under inundation’. Phenological study of five tree species in the Myristica swamps reflects the evergreen nature of the two Myristicaceous species and Vateria indica, devoid of a distinct leaf fall period. Germination studies indicated that trees of the swamps still retain the regenerative ability. The Myristica swamps contain 4.58 percent (220 species) of the angiosperms recorded from Kerala of which 22.27 percent (49 species) are endemic to the Western Ghats and 6.36 percent (14) are red listed. Contemporary studies bring to light many disturbances threatening the existence and health of the swamps; these studies have also suggested methods for conservation and management of these swamps.

---

Dr Roby works as a Research Associate in KFRI