VISTAS Vol. 7, No. 1, 2018, pp. 125-128 ISSN: 2319-5770, e-ISSN 2394-1138

INVENTORYING AND MAPPING OF WETLANDS IN THE VADAKARAPATHY PANCHAYATH OF DISTRICT, Sreeya Francis,1 Shijo Joseph*2 1 Department of Botany, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Irinjalakuda, Thrissur 680121, Kerala, . * 2 Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Kerala. ABSTRACT Delineating wetlands in Vadakarapathy Panchayath, in fine scale of 1:5000 using GIS ' ARC GIS 10.3’. The major wetland groups identified and estimated are paddy field (328.4 ha), river(25.19 ha) and water bodies (37.4 ha).Constituting a total of 391.95 ha area of wetland. A questionnaire-based ground survey founded different environmental aspects regarding wetland. The study will assist for protection and restoration of wetlands and depended wildlife.

INTRODUCTION Mapping different wetland types and monitoring their changes serve as a scientific foundation for wetland restoration and protection. A map created on geographical location provides a visual impact. Study regarding different environmental aspects provide a room to understand the influence of wetland on environment. The study correlating Geographic Information System and ground survey analysis is hoped to provide accurate estimation of wetland. The study can be implemented to other areas as well.

OBJECTIVES • To invent and map wetlands using high resolution satellite imageries.

• To conduct appraisal on biological diversity and environmental quality of wetland through ground survey.

• To asses major threat to wetland and to evaluate various schemes to protect wetland in vadakarapathy Panchayath.

MATERIALS AND METHODS A background of geographical context (Vadakarapathy Panchayath) was provided by base map. High resolution satellite imageries from Quick bird, IKONOS AND World view was used for the interpretation of wetland, Base layers from Kerala Forest Research Institute and National centre for Earth and Earth Science studies were used. Field data was collected by a field survey and way points marked using GPS version GARMI Montana 680. A questionnaire based investigation including farmers and various stake holders were conducted. Photographs of wetlands and their environment were taken. QGIS and ARC GIS software’s were used in wetland mapping and estimation.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION Vadakarapathy is a rain shadow region. The results from wetland mapping found that wetland area in vadakarapathy is 39.05ha. The paddy field is dominant 126 ● ISSN: 2319-5770 e-ISSN 2394-1138 wetland type (328.41ha) others 25.19ha of river and 37.4ha of water bodies. Various reasons for replacing paddy cultivation was found, the major reason is the arid climate. Different crops cultivated in paddy fields replaying paddy was invented the dominant was ladys’ finger. The study found that the common birds seen are pigeon, cuckoo, crow etc. The bird density is been decreasing along with decrease of wetland area. Due to persistent drought and lack of rainfall, all wetlands are dried up. Since the amount of water is less, the water is supplied through tanker Lorries from nearby areas. This is the only assistance given to agriculture, household and for drinking. Threat created by the water borne diseases on drinking water is a serious issue mainly happens in careless transportation by tanker Lorries.

Wetland in Vadakarapathy Panchayath 400

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Map showing wetlands in Vadakarapathy Panchayath

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CULTIVATION IN WETLAND AREA 70

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REASONS FOR REPLACING PADDY

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Plants grow in Subsidies available Increased Climate change drought introduced to other plants tewmprature

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