Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Initiates Comprehensive Wetland Species Documentation Drive
In a significant move to commemorate World Wetland Day on February 2, the divisional forest officer (DFO) of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR), Manish Singh, has issued directives for a thorough identification and documentation of key indicator species across the reserve's numerous wetlands. This initiative aims to systematically assess water quality through biological indicators, marking a proactive step in wetland conservation efforts.
Systematic Survey Across All Forest Ranges
Official orders have been dispatched to range officers overseeing all five forest ranges within PTR, instructing them to conduct specialized surveys with assistance from field biologists. The comprehensive exercise will cover the reserve's 132 wetlands, which vary significantly in size from approximately 1 hectare to over 20 hectares. This structured approach ensures that data collection is methodical and representative of the diverse wetland ecosystems present throughout the tiger reserve.
Critical Role of Wetlands in Wildlife Sustainability
DFO Manish Singh emphasized the fundamental importance of wetlands in sustaining wildlife populations, noting that these aquatic habitats primarily serve as drinking water sources for numerous species. "Water quality monitoring becomes essential because wetlands directly impact animal health and ecosystem balance," Singh explained. "The presence of specific insects, reptiles, and mammals helps us determine whether water remains fresh and adequately oxygenated, which are crucial indicators of wetland health."
Indicator Species as Biological Water Quality Monitors
Officials highlighted several key species that serve as reliable biological indicators for water quality assessment. Species such as mayflies and stoneflies demonstrate high sensitivity to pollution, with their presence or absence providing immediate clues about contamination levels. Conversely, dragonflies and caddisflies indicate healthy aquatic vegetation and balanced ecosystems. Singh specifically mentioned that smooth-coated otters serve as excellent indicators of clean water with robust fish populations, as these mammals thrive only in unpolluted aquatic environments.
Establishing Baseline Data for Long-Term Monitoring
The primary objective of this extensive survey is to create comprehensive baseline data that will enable authorities to track changes in wetland health over time. This longitudinal approach allows for early detection of environmental degradation and facilitates timely conservation interventions. By documenting current conditions and species distributions, PTR management aims to establish a reference point against which future changes can be measured, ultimately contributing to more effective wetland management strategies within the tiger reserve.
