Kole Wetlands

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 Pygmy grasshoppers are small, ground-dwelling insects. They are typically associated with moist habitats. They are highly sensitive to changes in microhabitat conditions and act as a valuable bio-indicators of wetland health. Pygmy grasshoppers are characterised by an extended pronotum that covers much of their body.