Lack of summer rain hits food, water availability for wildlife in Munnar

This year, grasslands did not dry up during winter as there was no frost. But with rain absent, these have dried up in summer. Such changes are an example of climate crisis and indicate how it affects ecosystem and water availability

The absence of summer showers, consequent on climate change, has affected food and water availability for wild animals in the Munnar landscape in Idukki.

Officials say the hill station is witnessing a rare climate pattern this year with frost and summer rain absent. Usually, cold weather sets in by December, with extreme cold and frost experienced in January and February. Then the region receives summer showers by March first week and within 15 days the hills and valleys will be covered green with grasslands back in health.

Munnar Wildlife Warden S.V. Vinod says the grasslands in Munnar usually dry up after the frost spell. “Every March, the landscape receives good summer rain which helps in the growth of grass, ensuring water and fodder for wild animals.

But this year, the grasslands did not dry up as there was no frost. With rain absent, the grasslands in Munnar have dried up,” he says.

“The lack of summer rain also threatens water availability in the forests. But the shola forests ensures water availability in many areas here,” says Mr. Vinod.

Climatologist Gopakumar Cholayil says the changes in grasslands in Munnar indicate climate variability.

“Climate variability will affect the food availability of animals through the drying up of grasslands. The changes in grasslands are an example of a climate crisis. It is an indicator of how the climate crisis affects the ecosystem and water availability of a landscape,” he says.

Sources say controlled burning has already been undertaken in the Eravikulam National Park (ENP) to promote growth of new grass.

ENP affected

“The Nilgiri tahrs do not eat yearsold grass, and the newly sprouted grass will ensure food availability for the animals. In the absence of summer showers, grass did not grow much in the ENP. However, the interior areas of the ENP are experiencing microclimate and morning mist there helps in the growth of grass,” say sources.

Tea plantations hit

The tea plantations in Munnar are also experiencing droughtlike conditions in the absence of summer rain. “Tea leaves have started to wilt in many plantations. The drought will affect tea production next season,” says a source.

According to the United Planters Association of South India tea research centre in Munnar, the highest temperature recorded at the hill station on Thursday was 29°C and the lowest 14°C. According to data from the centre, dry weather prevailed at the hill station in March. The humidity level was low on five days from March 7. The humidity level was 33%, 36%, 38%, 38%, and 38% respectively on these days. The normal humidity level in Munnar is 70 to 90%.

A dried-up grassland in the Munnar landscape.