With the onset of summer, the hilly terrains of Valparai’s ghat section have become dry as can be seen from the long stretches of wilted grass, withered plants, shrubs and trees.
The soaring temperature has affected the flora and fauna alike in the ghat section, a habitat of the Nilgiri tahr in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
It has resulted in poor sightings of animals such as macaques that are commonly seen on the sides of the road. But the water placed by the Forest Department in small cement containers along the path seems to have come as a relief to the animals, birds and reptiles. The initiative was started last year.
“The water containers are placed at all the 40 hairpin bends. Water is poured into the containers at frequent intervals.
During dry spells, they are replenished once in two days. Several animals depend on the containers as a source of water in the summer,” said P. Sakthivel, Forest Range Officer, Valparai. This will be on till the summer ends.
Some of the bends have two water containers each. Several species of birds, macaques, Nilgiris tahr, Malabar giant squirrel, leopard, wild boars, bear, reptile and rodents visit these containers as many small streams have dried up early this year.
According to Mr. Sakthivel, the summer effect was evident in the ghat section till Attakatti en route Valparai.
“The population of lion-tailed macaques, another major wildlife attraction in Valparai, is safe from the dry spell as their habitat is above Attakatti,” Mr. Sakthivel said.
Forest fire
Though dry leaves and grass have made the stretch vulnerable to forest fire, the Forest Department has taken preventive steps. Fire lines have been made in vulnerable areas.
“In addition, the department has engaged 14 fire watchers in Valparai range who conduct patrols. The fire watchers are from the tribal settlements of Valparai who work on a contract basis,” Mr. Sakthivel added.
