Hidden Gems of the Shola ….. Nilgiri Pipit !!

Hidden Gems of the Shola …….. Nilgiri Pipit !!

 

Sholas are patches of stunted evergreen tropical and sub-tropical moist broadleaf forest characterised by dense growth of trees in the depressions and folds of the Ghats surrounded by extensive areas of grasslands mostly above 1600 msl. Most of this Shola ecosystem are restricted to the southern Western Ghats and are represented by three high altitude regimes namely the Nilgiris, Palnis and Anamalais, the highest point being Anamudi peak (near Munnar), which stands at 2695 m above msl forming the highest peak in the Indian peninsula. In all these regimes (which are spread across Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu) large parts of the mountains remain 1800 m above msl and creates a unique  ecosystem….. These are the “Sky Islands” that harbour many endemic and rare species of plants, mammals, birds, insects , reptiles and amphibians. Several bird species like the White-bellied & Nilgiri Blue Robin, Black-and-Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Blue Flycatcher, Kerala & Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Scaly Thrush etc are only found in these sky islands.

 

The percentage of endemism is high and so is the conservation value of these high altitude forests & grasslands, not just because of the unrivalled water sources, but also sheltering the unique bio-diversity. But due recognition has been denied to this unique ecosystem. The degradation of the meadows and sholas of the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal was started along with the arrival of the European settlers during the early 19th century. Now the exotic trees like black wattle, eucalyptus and pines have already replaced the natural vegetation of Ooty and Kodaikanal. The major parts of the high altitude shola ecosystem are converted into expansive tea gardens in Munnar & Ooty….. And with it the fate of the several endemic birds and animals hang precariously.

 

The Nilgiri Pipit (Anthus nilghiriensis) is one such hidden gem that is found only in these “Sky islands” and whose numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate. This Globally threatened species is generally found in high altitude Shola grasslands. It is one on the easiest Pipits to identify due to its rich buff plumage and absence of malar strip… and not very difficult to sight in its range distribution. This species is listed as Vulnerable because it has a small range in which its habitat is severely fragmented and declining in extent and quality, which in turn is suspected to be driving a decline in its small population.

 

Place: Eravikulam National Park, Near Munnar, Kerala

Date: 30.1.2012

Camera: Canon 40D

Lens: Canon 100-400mm IS