Rare freshwater swamps in the Western Ghats are on the cusp of extinction

Environment & Ecology · 2 September 2026 · Based on The Hindu (original report)

Worth reading — 1 past UPSC question on this theme (Prelims GS-1 2018).

2-minute summary

Myristica swamps are rare, ancient freshwater swamp forests found in the Western Ghats (predominantly below 15.50°N) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Characterized by waterlogged alluvial soils and plants with unique adaptations like pneumatophores (aerial roots) and stilt roots, these swamps represent an evolutionary relic dating back 500 million years. They perform critical ecological functions, acting as hydrological 'sponges' that regulate floods, recharge groundwater, and maintain perennial stream flows. Additionally, they are biodiversity hotspots, harboring a disproportionately high percentage of endemic amphibians, birds, and reptiles. However, a recent study warns they are on the verge of extinction. Historically degraded by 1970s state-sanctioned logging for the matchstick and plywood industries, they now face severe fragmentation due to draining, diversion of water channels, and conversion into agricultural plantations (such as oil palm, rubber, and areca nut). Saving these fragile ecosystems requires urgent legal protection, hydrological restoration, DNA barcoding, and community-based monitoring.

Why it's in the news

A new study published in the journal 'Current Science' warns that the rare, ancient Myristica freshwater swamps in the Western Ghats (specifically restricted to patches in Kerala like Kulathupuzha and Shendurney) are facing imminent extinction due to draining, land-use changes, and the loss of their critical water-holding capacity.

Facts to remember

• Myristica swamps are rare, ancient freshwater swamp forests found in the Western Ghats and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Kerala retains only 53 isolated patches of Myristica swamps.
• Myristica swamps are dominated by members of the Myristicaceae family.
• Trees in Myristica swamps have evolved specialized root systems like stilt roots and pneumatophores.

Background and context

Myristica swamps are among the most primitive flowering forest ecosystems in India, dominated by members of the Myristicaceae family—an ancient group of plants. These swamps are restricted to low-lying, poorly drained valley bottoms that remain waterlogged throughout the year. To survive in these anaerobic, saturated soils, the trees have evolved specialized root systems: stilt roots for physical stability and knee roots/pneumatophores for respiration. Historically, these swamps covered large contiguous patches along the Western Ghats. However, decades of land reclamation for agriculture, diversion of forest streams, and past forestry policies (such as the 1970s clearance of Myristica fatua for matchwood and plywood) have reduced them to tiny, highly fragmented pockets. Today, Kerala retains only 53 isolated patches, making them one of the most threatened ecosystems in the country.

Constitutional provisions

• Article 48A (Directive Principles of State Policy) — Mandates that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
• Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duties) — Imposes a duty on every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.

Committees and reports

• Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) / Madhav Gadgil Committee Report — Recommended designating the entire Western Ghats region as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) with varying degrees of protection, which would have legally shielded fragile ecosystems like Myristica swamps.
• High-Level Working Group on Western Ghats / Kasturirangan Committee Report — Recommended a balanced approach, designating 37% of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive, highlighting the need to protect unique biodiversity patches and wetlands.

Government schemes

• National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA) — A centrally sponsored scheme aimed at the holistic conservation and restoration of wetlands and lakes in the country through integrated management plans.

International organisations

• Ramsar Convention on Wetlands — An international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. While Myristica swamps are not individually designated Ramsar sites, they fall under the global mandate of wetland conservation.
• IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) — Provides the Red List of Threatened Species, which categorizes several endemic flora and fauna species of the Myristica swamps as endangered or critically endangered.

Previous UPSC questions on this theme

• Prelims GS-1 2018 — Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss? 1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Mains practice: Myristica swamps of the Western Ghats represent not only a relic of ancient evolutionary history but also a critical hydrological buffer. Discuss the ecological significance of these swamps and analyze the anthropogenic threats driving them to extinction.

Myristica swamps are rare, ancient freshwater wetland ecosystems dominated by primitive flowering plants of the Myristicaceae family. Primarily located in the Western Ghats (below 15.50°N) and parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, they represent an evolutionary lineage dating back 500 million years.

### Ecological Significance

• **Hydrological Regulation:** Acting as natural 'sponges', these swamps absorb excess water during heavy monsoons, mitigating downstream floods. Conversely, they slowly release stored water during dry seasons, maintaining perennial stream flows and recharging groundwater aquifers.

• **Biodiversity Hotspots:** Despite their small geographical footprint, they support immense endemism. They harbor over 50% of Kerala's amphibian species, 26% of its birds, and 23% of its butterflies.

• **Carbon Sequestration:** The waterlogged, anaerobic conditions of the swamp soil slow down organic decomposition, allowing these ecosystems to function as highly efficient carbon sinks.

• **Water Purification:** The complex network of stilt roots and pneumatophores filters sediments, silt, and pollutants from flowing water, maintaining the quality of downstream aquatic systems.

### Anthropogenic Threats

• **Land-Use Conversion:** Large tracts of these fertile, waterlogged soils have been drained and converted into agricultural lands for paddy, rubber, oil palm, and areca nut plantations.

• **Historical Forestry Policies:** In the 1970s, state-sanctioned logging permitted the plywood and matchstick industries to harvest *Myristica fatua*, driving the species to near-extinction.

• **Hydrological Disruption:** The construction of dykes, check dams, and roads has diverted natural stream channels, drying up the swamps and converting perennial streams into seasonal ones.

### Conclusion

To prevent the total extinction of Myristica swamps, India must transition from passive protection to active ecological restoration. This requires strict legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, hydrological restoration of diverted streams, DNA barcoding of endemic species, and community-led monitoring programs to balance local livelihoods with ecological conservation.

Prelims practice questions

Q1. With reference to 'Myristica swamps', consider the following statements: 1. They are ancient brackish water ecosystems characterized by high salinity. 2. In India, their distribution is restricted exclusively to the Western Ghats. 3. The plants in these swamps possess specialized root adaptations such as pneumatophores and stilt roots. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. Statement 1 is incorrect because Myristica swamps are freshwater ecosystems, not brackish water. Statement 2 is incorrect because while they are primarily found in the Western Ghats (below 15.50°N), a small distribution also exists in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Statement 3 is correct as these plants have adapted to waterlogged, anaerobic conditions using stilt roots and pneumatophores (knee roots).

Q2. Which of the following best describes the ecological 'sponge effect' associated with Myristica swamps?

1. Their capacity to retain water during heavy rainfall to mitigate floods and release it slowly to maintain perennial streams.
2. The mechanism by which their canopy traps atmospheric carbon dioxide and moisture.
3. The symbiotic relationship between swamp trees and specialized fungal species that absorb soil nutrients.
4. Their ability to absorb and neutralize heavy metal pollutants from industrial runoff.

Answer: A. The 'sponge effect' refers to the hydrological value of Myristica swamps, where they act as natural sponges that hold water during heavy rains (preventing floods) and slowly release it into groundwater and streams throughout the year, ensuring perennial flow.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Western Ghats ecology: 1. The Madhav Gadgil Committee recommended designating the entire Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). 2. Myristica swamps are highly resilient to temperature fluctuations and require minimal hydrological continuity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A. Statement 1 is correct; the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) led by Madhav Gadgil recommended the entire Western Ghats be declared an ESA. Statement 2 is incorrect; Myristica swamps are highly fragile, sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and strictly depend on continuous freshwater hydrology; draining them leads to rapid degradation.

Revision flashcards

• What are Myristica swamps? They are rare, ancient freshwater swamp forests dominated by primitive flowering plants of the Myristicaceae family, characterized by waterlogged soils and specialized root systems.
• What are the key botanical adaptations of trees in Myristica swamps? Pneumatophores (knee/aerial roots for respiration in anaerobic soils) and stilt roots (for physical support in unstable, waterlogged ground).
• Where are Myristica swamps found in India? They are primarily restricted to fragmented patches in the Western Ghats (below 15.50°N, especially Kerala) and have a small distribution in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Why did Myristica swamps face severe state-sanctioned logging in the 1970s? The government permitted the plywood and matchstick industries to harvest Myristica species (specifically Myristica fatua), which were deemed highly fit for manufacturing matches and packing cases.
• What is the evolutionary significance of Myristica swamps? They represent one of the most primitive flowering plant ecosystems in India, with a genetic lineage dating back approximately 500 million years.