Shift in ecosystem of Parambikulam forests through the eyes of tribes

Forest department's Gothrabheri program uncovers tribal wisdom on peacock-viper balance, shedding light on ecosystem dynamics in Kerala.

In a groundbreaking discovery, the Forest department’s “Gothrabheri” programme, an initiative to tap into indigenous knowledge, has unveiled a fascinating narrative from the heart of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. At a recent seminar, a tribal participant revealed a shift in the ecosystem: while peacocks have flourished over the past decade, sightings of the once-common hump-nosed viper (locally called Churutta) are steadily declining. This revelation offers a glimpse into the nuanced balance of predator and prey, as seen through the eyes of the forest’s original inhabitants.

The Gothrabheri project was launched by the Forest department in association with the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) and the Scheduled Tribe Development department to explore tribal knowledge to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in the State.

The project’s State nodal officer Raju K. Francis states, “According to tribal observations, peacocks prey on the hump-nosed vipers, which helps regulate the viper population that feeds on peacock eggs.” “But for the last two years, giant peacocks from Top Slip in Tamil Nadu have arrived in the forests of Parambikulam and have fed on the vipers. The decline in vipers have led to a disproportionate surge in the peacock population. The Forest department will inspect whether the same happened in any other forests in the State,” says Mr. Francis.

“The tribespeople also mentioned that normally, animals and birds eat various types of fruits and seeds and when they excrete inside the forests, it helps in the growth of new plants. Whereas in the case of peacocks, they grind the seeds and eat them. Hence, there would not be a trace of seeds and no chance for new plant growth. This contributes to the afforestation of ground forests. The increase in the number of peacocks was noticed in various parts of the State, including in Idukki,” says the official.

The presence of peacocks indicates the dryness of the land. “The Forest department will conduct a scientific study with the support of respective authorities and agencies over the concerns raised by the tribespeople regarding the viper-peacock issue. It is a remarkable information from the tribal community. Hilly regions, including Idukki, have observed the presence of peacocks. We need to find the reason that led to their the presence,” adds Mr. Francis.

The Gothrabheri project, according to officials, involves hosting a series of 15 seminars in various parts of the State. Through the initiative, the Forest department will engage in discussions with representatives from diverse tribal hamlets. “After completing the seminars, a workshop will be conducted in Thiruvananthapuram with the presence of start-ups and experts,” says Mr. Francis.