However, conditions are now favourable for further advancement of the monsoon into parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, northwest Bay of Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand over the next three to four days, the weather department said.
The monsoon season in India is not just a significant climatic event; it is the lifeblood of the country's diverse ecosystems. The timely arrival of rains rejuvenates the landscape, replenishes water bodies, and sustains agricultural cycles. However, this year, the delayed monsoon has raised concerns about its ecological impact, particularly on wildlife and plant life. In this article, we will explore how the delayed rains are affecting specific regions and vulnerable species across India.
In forested regions like the Western Ghats and the northeastern states, the monsoon rains are crucial for maintaining the lush green canopy. The delayed monsoon has resulted in prolonged dry spells, which stress the trees and undergrowth. Plants like the Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) and the Sandalwood (Santalum album), which are heavily dependent on consistent rainfall, are at risk of reduced growth and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Agriculture in India is predominantly rain-fed, making it highly vulnerable to fluctuations in monsoon patterns. In regions like Maharashtra and Karnataka, the delay in rains has disrupted the sowing schedules for crops such as rice, soybeans, and pulses. This not only threatens the food security of these regions but also impacts the biodiversity that relies on crop fields. Pollinators, soil microbes, and other organisms that depend on these plants for survival face an uncertain future.
The delayed monsoon has significant repercussions for terrestrial wildlife, especially in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. In areas like Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, the scarcity of water sources has forced animals to travel longer distances in search of hydration. This not only increases their risk of human-wildlife conflict but also exposes them to predators and poaching.
Species such as the Indian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and the Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) are particularly vulnerable. Elephants, which require large quantities of water daily, are struggling to find adequate resources, leading to dehydration and decreased reproductive success. Similarly, the prey base for tigers diminishes as herbivores like deer and antelope suffer from water scarcity.
Aquatic ecosystems are equally impacted by the delayed monsoon. Rivers, lakes, and ponds are drying up, reducing the habitat available for fish and other aquatic organisms. In the Western Ghats, home to numerous endemic fish species, the drying streams and rivers threaten their survival. Species such as the Malabar Torrent Toad (Ghatophryne ornata) are at risk as their breeding grounds diminish.
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a critical region where the delayed monsoon's impact is pronounced. These mangrove forests, located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, rely on the monsoon for fresh water to balance the saline water from the Bay of Bengal. The delay in rains has increased salinity levels, threatening the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.
Mangrove species such as the Sundari tree (Heritiera fomes) are particularly affected by higher salinity, leading to stunted growth and increased mortality. The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), which inhabits the Sundarbans, faces challenges as its prey base, including deer and boars, declines due to habitat stress.
The delayed monsoon in India has far-reaching implications for both flora and fauna. Forests are struggling to maintain their lush canopies, agricultural cycles are disrupted, and wildlife faces increased risks from water scarcity and habitat loss. The situation in regions like the Western Ghats, the Sundarbans, and various national parks highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate these impacts. Conservation efforts must focus on adaptive measures that address the immediate challenges posed by delayed rains while promoting long-term resilience in these vital ecosystems. As we navigate these changing climatic patterns, understanding and protecting our ecological heritage becomes more crucial than ever.
