Did you know that some of the earliest flowering plants on Earth included the champaks and lotuses? Or the fact that freshwater swamps—especially the rare Myristica swamps—stand out as one of the least studied and most endangered wetland ecosystems in the country? And that nutmeg and mace which are one of the most commonly used spices are derived from Myristica fragrans? Well, these are just some of the interesting revelations in the book “The Dark Forest – An Illustrated Guide to the Biodiversity of Myristica Swamps.”
Written by wetland ecologist and geologist Priya Ranganathan, this book is an illustrated guide that takes readers on a journey through the Myristica swamps which are age-old ecosystems that flourished across the river valleys of the Western Ghats. These extremely dense, waterlogged forests are dominated by species of the Myristicaceae family which are adapted to survive in seasonally flooded conditions. It is indeed a revelation to note that this family of trees belonging to the larger Magnolid group evolved during the Cretaceous period and gradually spread across the tropical regions of the world including India. In India, they are found in the central western ghats, with scattered remnants in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.
Unique Flora and Fauna
The book gives extensive details of the flora and fauna found in these swamps which are incidentally one of the least studied ecosystems in India. The adaptation of the species to water logged conditions in the form of knee roots, stilt roots, lenticels and shallow root system that spreads far from the base of the tree to offer support in shifting, waterlogged soil is well elucidated. The features by which Myristicaceae species are easily recognized including the fact that their flowers bloom only at night, details of their physiological adaptations and seed germination techniques is well explained. Research has documented over 90 species of herbaceous plants in swamps, 46 species of shrubs, 27 species of climbers and lianas, and 80 species of trees. Of these, 49 plants are endemic to the Western Ghats. The adaptions of the nutmeg as well as marsh nut trees is also detailed.
The guide also touches upon the different kinds of butterflies found and how they act as pollinators in the swamps. The details about odonates which is an order of predatory flying insects encompassing dragonflies and damselflies and the six species of odonates found in the Myristica swamps is extremely interesting. So is the chapter dedicated freshwater crabs and fish. There is a dedicated chapter for amphibians and reptiles which includes details on species like the hump-nosed pit viper, spectacled cobra (Naja naja) and dancing frog. The Myristica swamps is also home to close to 60 species of birds including the Malabar pied hornbill, the orange-breasted green pigeon and the endemic Malabar whistling thrush. These birds play a key role in seed dispersal and therefore in the reproduction of swamp obligate trees. The mammal diversity is also well covered with species like the Indian pangolin, lion-tailed macaque, the small Indian civet etc found here.
It is key to note that the illustrations and descriptions in the guide are based on first hand observations and research, offering a glimpse into the remarkable biodiversity hidden within these ancient wetlands.
Threatened Ecosystem
The guide outlines how this uniqe ecosystem is threatened due to increasing human habitation and the development of plantations and roadways. In some states like Maharashtra, Goa and Kerala these swamps occur within wildlife sanctuaries and are thus protected. But the same is not the case in Uttara Karnataka where swamps like Kathalekan and Malemane occur along a national highway making them easily accessible to human activity. Arecanut plantations and paddy fields are also a threat to these swamps. The future of these swamps and the current conservation efforts is also well explained.
The illustrations in the guide by Meera Phadnis are truly noteworthy. The book is indeed a great resource for understanding and appreciating the Myristica swamps which is the first step towards ensuring their conservation for future generations. It is a must read for naturalists, researchers and enthusiasts interested in nature, plant and animal life as well as unique ecosystems.
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