Environment and ecology Pallikaranai Marshland Context: Due to rapid urbanisation and indiscriminate dumping of waste, the Pallikaranai Marshland has shrunk to a small part of its original size. About Pallikaranai Marshland Pallikaranai Marshland is a freshwater marsh with partly saline wetland areas. Location: It is located about 20 km south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It acts as a natural flood buffer, helping protect the Chennai and Chengalpattu districts from flooding. The marsh includes 65 wetlands. Water flows into the Bay of Bengal through two outlets: Okkiyam Madavu, Kovalam Creek. The Buckingham Canal runs along the eastern side of the marsh. It is one of the Ramsar Sites of India, recognized as a wetland of international importance. Flora and Fauna The marshland supports a rich variety of wildlife, including: 115 species of birds, 10 species of mammals, 21 species of reptiles, 10 species of amphibians, 46 species of fish, 9 species of molluscs, 5 species of crustaceans, 7 species of butterflies Some important species found here are: Russell’s viper (Daboia siamensis), Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Grey-headed lapwing (Vanellus cinereus), Pheasant-tailed jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) Threats The marshland is under pressure due to human activities such as: Illegal encroachments, Discharge of untreated sewage, Unplanned urban development, Dumping of waste, which has reduced its size and affected its ecosystem. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Context : A special task force led by the Erode district administration recently sealed 21 illegal resorts located in the buffer zone of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. About Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located in Tamil Nadu. It lies at the meeting point of the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is connected to: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) BRT (Biligiri Ranganatha) Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary…
