1 month, 2 weeks ago

Citizen science initiative seeks to create biodiversity database of coastal bioregion

A database on the biodiversity of Puducherry-Villupuram-Auroville-Cuddalore bioregion is on the anvil with ‘citizen science’ playing a major role in the process. “Basically, this is a citizen science initiative and is aimed at creating a biodiversity register of the PVAC bioregion so that it becomes a knowledge base in the future. According to Arunkumar Patchaiyappan, an ecologist of Svarnim Puducherry, “The biodiversity survey of Nallavadu lagoon, which has been completed, has revealed the presence of over 300 species thriving in this coastal ecosystem. The survey also recorded fascinating intertidal species like mudskippers, commercially important fish such as mangrove red snapper, mud crabs, Indian glassy fish, and grey mullets, all of which indicate the lagoon’s rich aquatic biodiversity.” The Nallavadu lagoon also serves as an important habitat for migratory birds, with species such as redshank, common greenshank, gulls, and terns frequenting the area. These species introduced for aquaculture, are highly aggressive, often outcompeting native fish populations, altering food web dynamics, and reducing biodiversity,” Mr. Arunkumar said.

The Hindu
Biodiversity Species Puducherry Citizen Science Lagoon Svarnim Puducherry Bioregion Pvac

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