Thrissur-Ponnani Kole Wetlands

Source: TH

Context: The Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), a rare and vulnerable bird of prey, was recently sighted in the Pulluzhi kole wetlands, a Ramsar-protected area in Kerala.

About Eastern Imperial Eagle:

• Scientific Classification: Member of the family Accipitridae; subfamily Aquilinae.

• Habitat: Found in old forests, mountain and riverine forests, and isolated tall trees for nesting.

• Range: Breeds in southeastern Europe, West, and Central Asia; migrates to northeastern Africa, Middle East, and South/East Asia in winter.

• Physical Features: Large eagle with a wingspan of 1.76 to 2.2 m and length between 68 to 90 cm. Reverse sexual dimorphism: females larger than males. Golden crown and nape, grey base to the tail, white “braces” on scapulars. Keen eyesight, strong legs with curved talons for prey capture.

• Large eagle with a wingspan of 1.76 to 2.2 m and length between 68 to 90 cm.

• Reverse sexual dimorphism: females larger than males.

• Golden crown and nape, grey base to the tail, white “braces” on scapulars.

• Keen eyesight, strong legs with curved talons for prey capture.

• Conservation Status: Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

About Thrissur-Ponnani Kole Wetlands:

• Location: Spreads across Thrissur and Malappuram districts in Kerala, India.

• Area: Covers 13,632 hectares (33,690 acres).

• Significance: Provides 40% of Kerala’s rice requirement. Acts as a natural drainage system for Thrissur city, Ponnani city, and surrounding districts. Part of the Central Asian Flyway, supporting migratory bird species.

• Provides 40% of Kerala’s rice requirement.

• Acts as a natural drainage system for Thrissur city, Ponnani city, and surrounding districts.

• Part of the Central Asian Flyway, supporting migratory bird species.

• Boundaries: Lies between Chalakudy River (South) and Bharathappuzha River (North), extending to Ponnani Taluk.

• Hydrological Network: Connects to Enamavu River, Canoli Canal, Chettuva River, and flows into the Arabian Sea.

• Soil Fertility: Enriched by alluvium soil deposited by Kechery and Karuvannoor rivers during monsoons.

Insta links:

• Three-new-wetlands-in-the-Ramsar-site-tag