News: A scientific study at the Kole wetlands recorded 12 species of pygmy grasshoppers, including four species newly documented in the State.
About Kole Wetlands
- It is the largest brackish, humid tropical wetland ecosystem on the southwest coast of India.
- Location: The Kole wetlands are located in Kerala and spread over Thrissur and Malappuram districts.
- Named after: They are named after “Kole”, which indicates a field that gives a bumper crop in Malayalam.
- Recognition– It was declared as a Ramsar site of international importance in 2002.
- Rivers associated: The rivers that feed the wetlands include Karuvannur, Kecheri and the Puzhakal.
- Features:
- The Kole areas are low-lying and have a central, narrow strip covering a long expanse, with many pockets running into cultivated land on either side.
- The region is naturally subject to saltwater intrusion, and during the monsoon, the entire region gets submerged under water, which is cultivated by draining the water and by erecting bunds.
- Wildlife: The wetlands have been recognised as one of India’s Important Bird Areas by BirdLife International.
- They are considered the third largest bird area in India after Chilika Lake and Amipur Tank.
About Pygmy grasshoppers
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