Government of Kerala
A recent study by the Zoological Survey of India points a worrying picture of Kerala’s biodiversity. The study identified a staggering number of species facing endangerment, including 31 mammals, 20 birds, 54 reptiles, 54 frogs, and a multitude of invertebrates like dragonflies (38 species), freshwater crabs (15 species) and tiger spiders (4 species). Even Kerala’s aquatic ecosystems are under threat, with 35 freshwater fish and 3 shellfish varieties listed as vulnerable.
The situation is even more critical for some species. The Kerala Biodiversity Board recommends including 3 mammals, 7 birds, 2 reptiles, 3 frogs, 9 fish, 5 butterflies, and 4 freshwater plants in a special category of the Biodiversity Act for stricter conservation measures due to their critically endangered status.
The craze for exotic pets and the exploitation of wildlife for food or traditional medicine threatens 8 mammal species, 15 birds, 10 reptiles, and 17 freshwater fish. The popular ‘Miss Kerala’ fish (the Roseline shark) is on the verge of extinction due to the ornamental pet trade.
The illegal wildlife trade poses threat and further endanger a wide range of animals, including the sand boa, slender loris, otters, pangolins, silver owls, civet cats, parrots, swallows, star tortoises, pythons, and monitor lizards. The spread of alien-invasive species and uncontrolled fishing in the yester-years had further jeopardized the delicate balance of Kerala’s ecosystems.
Here are a few endangered species found in Kerala:
Indian Bison or Gaur (Bos gaurus): The Indian Gaur is a majestic example. Often mistaken for a true bison, this massive bovid with a humped back and powerful horns is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. These herbivores are a vital part of Kerala’s ecosystems. They graze in open areas in small family groups, led by an experienced elder male. Their days typically involve morning and afternoon feeding sessions, followed by resting in the cool safety of the forests during the hottest parts of the day or when disturbed. Their impressive size and keen sense of smell provide a good first line of defence against predators. However, threats like habitat loss, poaching, and competition with domestic cattle endanger these magnificent creatures.
Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus): Lion-tailed Macaque is an endangered primate endemic to the Western Ghats mountain range in Kerala, India. These monkeys are easily identifiable by their glossy black fur coat, contrasting beard, and a distinctive tuft of hair at the tip of their tail. They live in social groups led by a dominant male, inhabiting the thick forest areas, particularly near estates and along the fringes of rivers. Their shy and elusive nature, coupled with their dark fur, makes them difficult to spot in the dense forests they call home. Unfortunately, this very characteristic contributes to their endangered status.
Periyar Trout (Lepidopygopsis typus): This small fish is endemic to the Periyar streams and faces threats like habitat loss due to pollution and soil erosion.
Cochin Forest Cane Turtle (Vijayachelys silvatica): Endemic to the Western Ghats, this poorly-known turtle is critically endangered due to the pet trade, habitat destruction, and its very limited range.
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas): A globally endangered sea turtle, the Green Turtle nests on Kerala’s beaches. Their biggest threats include getting caught in shrimp trawling nets, egg collection, and habitat loss.
Western Ghats Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus lateralis): Restricted to a small area in the Southern Western Ghats, this frog is threatened by habitat loss as forests are converted to agricultural land.
Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis): While not currently endangered, this large lizard is still hunted for its skin, meat, and fat used in traditional medicine.
Cardamon Garra (Garra hughi): This fast-flowing stream dweller faces population decline due to habitat degradation from factors like pollution and increased pesticide use.
Deccan Mahseer (Tor khudree): Habitat alteration, pollution, sand mining, overfishing, and invasive fish species threaten this large freshwater fish.
Please click here to see the IUCN list of Endangered species