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- info@biodiversityoferaviperoor.com
- Thiruvalla, Eraviperoor, Kerala
The study area (Eraviperoor) covers an area of 18.64 sq.km (21° 24’ latitude and 36° 39’ longitude) falling under the Eraviperoor Panchayat in Pathanamthitta District. The area receives an average of over 80 inches of rain per year. The vegetation can be generally described agriculture-dominated but with very diverse fauna and flora.
The wetlands (mainly paddy fields) consist of 18 small to medium water bodies (chals = Malayalam) functioning as water sources for the limited agricultural options that were available during the past century. A chain of small canals connect many of them in the lower area while the remaining ones get inter connected during monsoon floods. These small water bodies are extremely significant for the preservation and sustenance of biodiversity specially the aquatic and water dependent species.
Boundaries: River Manimala forms the northern and north-western boundary. Kuttur village in the west, Puramattem and Koipuram villages in the east and the Varattar River (a branch of River Pamba in the south).
Checklists for different groups for which information is available is published below. All lists are works in progress. The following summary can be used as general referenc only.
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Taxonomic group
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No. of recorded species
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Photographs
I consider this as one of the best means of identifying any species. Ashly Mary Ipe, my daughter has been assisting me in photographing birds and other species in her spare time. Almost 95% of the photos were taken from within the limits of this village. I wish she can add more images to the checklist in the near future. My wife Bindu was of great service in the field during the photographing trips.
Acknowledgements
First of all I thank God almighty to have given a chance for me to live in this beautiful country which is rich in flora and fauna.
I thank all my family members and friends who supported and helped in this work, especially my mother who encouraged me to make nature notes.
I would like to convey my special thanks to Dr. Ipe M Ipe, a beloved uncle of mine who had read through my field notes and suggested a pattern for publishing the same.
Special thanks are also due to Dr. P.O. Nameer a good friend of mine, to have helped me in identifying some confusing specimens and also to have introduced me to the Keralabirder group.
Special thanks to Mr. Praveen J. of Kerala birder who has always responded to my messages by posting valuable comments which encouraged me to publish the checklist.
I am also grateful to Mrs. Meera Anna Oommen, my sister and Dr. P.O Naseer, who had presented me with some useful reference books which gave me guidance and help.
I convey my special thanks to Mr.Lal Thomas Varghese, Mediagraphics, Eraviperoor who designed this website in an attractive way.
References
Ali, S. 1949. Indian Hill Birds. Oxford Uni: Press. Pp188.
Ali, S. 1979. The Book of Indian Birds. B.N.H.S pp 187.
Ali, S. 1996. The Book of Indian Birds. B.N.H.S pp 354.
Ali, S. 1999. Birds of Kerala. Third edition. Pp520
Ali, S. & S.D. Ripley. 1995. A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. B.N.H.S Pp 183.
Bhushan, B., et. al. 1993. A Field Guide to the Water birds of Asia.
Tokai Foundation. Pp 224.
B.N.H.S. 1986. Encyclopedia of Indian Natural History.
Pp 620.
Daniel, J.C. 1983. The Book of Indian Reptiles. B.N.H.S. pp:141.
Daniels, R.J.R. 2002. Freshwater Fishes of Peninsular India. Universities Press pp:288.
Daniels, R.J.R. 2005. Amphibians of Peninsular India. Universities Press. pp:268.
Grewal, B. 1995. Sanctuary Nature Guide To Birds Of The Indian Subcontinent.
Guide book Co. Ltd Hongkong.
Grimmett, R. et al. 1999. Pocket Guide To The Birds of Indian Subcontinent. pp384
Grimmett, R. , P.O. Nameer et al. 2007. B.N.H.S Field Guides pp 240. (in Malayalam-describing the birds of southern India).
Kunte, K. 2000. Butterflies of Peninsular India. Universities Press. pp:254.
Prater, S.H. 1971. The book of Indian Animals. B.N.H.S. pp:324.
Whitaker, R. 2006. Common Indian Snakes: A Field Guide (Revised Edition) Macmillan. pp:138.
Eraviperoor supports a rich mix of plant and animal life shaped by fertile soils, abundant rainfall, and a balanced ecosystem. While agriculture dominates the landscape, the region still maintains diverse species of crops, native plants, birds, fish, amphibians, and small mammals. Wetlands, paddy fields, and tree-covered areas provide natural habitats, helping preserve the area’s ecological balance and biodiversity.
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