Site Habitat: Dense patch of Shola forest….
Date: 18th Jan, 2013
Equipment: Canon 40 D with Canon 100-400 mm IS lens
Hidden Gems of the Shola ..... White-bellied Shortwing !!
Sholas are patches of stunted evergreen tropical and sub-tropical moist broadleaf forest characterized by dense growth of trees in the depressions and folds of the Ghats surrounded by extensive areas of grasslands mostly above 1600 msl. Most of this Shola ecosystem are restricted to the southern Western Ghats and are represented by three high altitude regimes namely the Nilgiris, Palnis and Anamalais, the highest point being Anamudi peak (near Munnar), which stands at 2695 m above msl forming the highest peak in the Indian peninsula. In all these regimes (which are spread across Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu) large parts of the mountains remain 1800 m above msl and creates a unique ecosystem..... These are the "Sky Islands" that harbour many endemic and rare species of plants, mammals, birds, insects , reptiles and amphibians. Several bird species like the White-bellied & Nilgiri Blue Robin, Black-and-Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Blue Flycatcher, Kerala & Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Scaly Thrush etc are only found in these sky islands.
The percentage of endemism is high and so is the conservation value of these high altitude forests & grasslands, not just because of the unrivaled water sources, but also sheltering the unique bio-diversity. But due recognition has been denied to this unique ecosystem. The degradation of the meadows and sholas of the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal was started along with the arrival of the European settlers during the early 19th century. Now the exotic trees like black wattle, eucalyptus and pines have already replaced the natural vegetation of Ooty and Kodaikanal. The major parts of the high altitude shola ecosystem are converted into expansive tea gardens in Munnar & Ooty..... And with it the fate of the several endemic birds and animals hang precariously.
The White-bellied Blue Robin / Shortwing (Brachypteryx albiventris) ** is one such hidden gem that is found only in these "Sky islands" and whose numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate. This Globally threatened species is generally found in dense Shola forest in the dark lower canopy and forest floor (notice its long legs). They are skulking but can be confiding like this fellow, which was seen picking tit-bits thrown by the tourists and allowed us close proximity quite oblivious of more than a dozen lenses focussed on him at a distance of just 2 feet J
To view more images of this species and others click here
http://mynaturestories.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/hidden-gems-of-the-shola-white-bellied-blue-robin/
**Taxonomic note: Brachypteryx major (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) has been moved into the genus Myiomela and split into M. major and M. albiventris following Rasmussen and Anderton (2005).
I Believe In God, Only spell It Nature
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One should not have a job, career or profession- only a hobby, passion and a cause
I Believe In God, Only spell It Nature
*******************************************
One should not have a job, career or profession- only a hobby, passion and a cause
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