EXPLORING THE WONDERS OF KEYSTONE SPECIES

 

In the heart of the Western Ghats, nestled among gigantic trees and luxuriant vegetation, lies a hidden world of intricate relationships and delicate balances. It is here that I, a humble forester, discovered the profound significance of keystone* species, the uncelebrated heroes of our forest ecosystems. During my tenure in the Social Forestry wing, the term "keystone species" occasionally crossed my path, but it failed to spark my curiosity. However, upon my transfer to the Territorial wing and subsequent postings in the Western and Eastern Ghats, my eyes were opened to the remarkable impact these species can have on the entire system.

 As a dedicated forester, I made i my mission to explore and understand the role of keystone* species in the Western Ghats. I traversed dense forests, climbed rugged mountains, and crossed roaring rivers, all in the pursuit of knowledge. Along the way, I encountered a myriad of fascinating creatures, each playing a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of the ecosystem. From the small insects that pollinate flowers to the majestic elephants that shape the landscape, I witnessed first-hand the profound influence of keystone species. These creatures may seem insignificant, but their absence can trigger a chain reaction that ripples through the entire ecosystem, leading to unexpected and often detrimental consequences.

 Interestingly bees are keystone species due to their role as pollinators. Their pollination services provided by the bees are essential for the survival and reproduction of many plants, as well as for the food web that rely on these plants. However, bee populations have been declining year after year due to various factors such as habitat loss, forest fire, pesticide use, and climate change. It is important for communities to take action to support bee conservation efforts and preserve the vital role of bees in our environment.

 Another example is the Malabar giant squirrel, a mesmerising creature that plays a pivotal role in seed dispersal. By feeding on various fruits, the squirrel carries seeds far and wide, contributing to the regeneration of forests and ensuring the survival of countless plant species.  Without this keystone species, the entire ecosystem would suffer, as plants would struggle to reproduce and the forest would gradually decline.

 

 

INDIAN VULTURE (Indian Long Billed Vulture)

 

Another keystone species that captured my attention is the Indian vulture, a magnificent bird that performs the vital task of scavenging carcasses. In my native village near Tirunelveli, the sight of 15-20 vultures congregating near the slaughtering house was a familiar one during my youth. These majestic birds, with their imposing height of up to three feet and striking appearance, instilled a sense of awe and trepidation in me as I ventured along the path where they feasted on the remains of slaughtered buffalo or beef.  By consuming dead animals, vultures prevent the spread of diseases and maintain the health of the entire ecosystem. While the population of Vultures swindles for varying reason, the eco system disturbed considerably.  I continued my exploration, I encountered numerous other keystone species, each with its own unique contribution to the intricate web of life.

 In the dense Western Ghats, a mountain range in India, the role of Ficus species as keystone species is well recognized. With several species of ficus in the Southern Western Ghats region, six of which are endemic, including Ficus dalhousie and Ficus beddomei, these trees play a critical role in maintaining the ecosystem's balance. Numerous insects (fig wasps), birds, and mammals rely heavily on figs for their growth and survival. One fascinating characteristic of Ficus species is their unique reproductive process. Each species requires a specific pollinating wasp for reproduction (Ramirez, 1970). Without these specialized wasps, which carry pollen from one synconium (a specialized fig structure) to another, propagation would be impossible. To attract dispersers, Ficus species produce abundant fruit crops. These trees produce thousands of fruits over a short period, attracting a wide range of frugivores. Primates like the Bonnet macaque, Common langur, Lion-tailed macaque, and Nilgiri langur find a natural food source in these figs. This fruiting strategy results in the patchy distribution of the trees within the forest. The multipurpose properties of Ficus species and their ability to adapt to various climatic regions and soil conditions make them potentially valuable in various fields.

 

FICUS RACEMOSA

Ficus species produce fleshy attractive fruits for the dispersal mainly through bats and birds. The Ficus fruits are also eaten by the Three-striped palm squirrel, Malabar giant squirrel, Grizzled giant squirrel, Palm civet etc.  Seeds of Ficus species were noticed in the pellets of the Deer, bear and scats of civets.  Ripe fruits fallen in the ground might have been consumed up by the terrestrial mammals.

 Apart from providing food for birds, insects, bats and other animals, their spreading crown and dense foliage provide shelter and ideal nesting and also roosting places, for animals and birds. With their ecological significance and practical applications, Ficus species undoubtedly deserve recognition as keystone species of the Western Ghats, and each ficus tree acts as a sanctuary.

 

 

LION TAILED MACAQUE IN THE UPPER CANOPY

The Western Ghats, particularly in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), ishome to the fascinating Cullenia exallirata, a species with a unique flowering pattern that attracts a diverse array of wildlife. During the dry season, when fruits are scarce, Culleniaexallirata becomes a crucial food source for several species, including the Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Malabar Giant squirrel, and various species of birds. Additionally, the night time activity around the Cullenia exallirata flowers reveals a whole new world of nocturnal visitors, including bats, flying squirrels, spiny dormice, and brown palm civets. Understanding the interactions between this keystone species and the wildlife it supports is essential for conservation efforts in the Western Ghats

Another keystone species among mammals is the mighty elephant. As one of the largest herbivores on the planet, elephants consume a staggering amount of food, averaging up to 150 kilograms daily. This prodigious appetite results in the excretion of nearly 100 kilograms of dung per day, which plays a vital role in nutrient recycling and maintaining soil fertility. Elephants also cover vast distances, ranging up to 125 square miles during their daily or seasonal movements. This wide-ranging behaviour facilitates seed dispersal, as the seeds consumed by elephants pass through their digestive system and are deposited in new locations, contributing to the genetic diversity and resilience of plant populations. Additionally, elephants act as ecosystem engineers by creating and modifying their environment. They use their trunks to dig water holes, which become essential sources of water for other animals during the dry season. Elephants also clear vegetation by knocking down trees and shrubs, creating open areas that can be utilized by a variety of species for grazing, nesting, or hunting. However, the survival and well-being of elephants are under threat from habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflicts. The decline of elephant populations has far-reaching consequences, not only for the elephants themselves but also for the entire ecosystem in which they play a pivotal role. Recognizing the significance of elephants as keystone species is crucial for the conservation and management of their habitats and populations. By protecting elephants, we safeguard the integrity and resilience of the ecosystems they inhabit, ensuring the survival of numerous other species and the overall health of our planet.

From keystone predators that regulate prey populations to keystone herbivores that shape vegetation, these species are the foundation upon which our forests thrive. The realization of the importance of keystone species has profoundly impacted my perspective as a forester. It has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to protect and preserve these unsung heroes of our ecosystems. Through my work, I strive to raise awareness about the vital role they play and advocate for their conservation. As a forester, I have had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary diversity of our forests. I have seen the beauty of the Western Ghats, the majesty of the Eastern Ghats, and the resilience of our natural world. It is my sincere hope that future generations will continue to appreciate and protect these immeasurable treasures, ensuring that the keystone species that underpin them will thrive for generations to come.

*  “A keystone species is a species that plays a critical and disproportionately large role in maintaining the structure and functioning of an eco-system.” A keystone species helps define an entire ecosystem. Without these species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether.