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Ashtamudi Wetland
| Site Name | Ashtamudi Wetland |
|---|---|
| State | Kerala |
| Ramsar Site Number | 1204 |
| Ramsar Designation Date | 19 Aug 2002 |
| Area | 6140 hectares |
| Latitude | 8.95 |
| Longitude | 76.5833 |
| Categories | Marine or coastal wetland Intertidal forested wetland Estuarine water |
| Elevation min / max | 10 / 10 |
| Listed in Montreux Record? | No |
| Spans over more than one country? | No |
| Details | |
| An extensive estuarine system, the second largest in Kerala State, which is of extraordinary importance for its hydrological functions, its biodiversity, and its support for fish. The site supports a number of mangrove species as well as over 40 associated plant species, and 57 species of birds have been observed, including six that are migratory. Nearly 100 species of fish sustain a lively fishing industry, with thousands of fishermen depending directly upon the estuary for their livelihood. Population density and urban pressures pose threats to the site, including pollution from oil spills from thousands of fishing boats and from industries in the surrounding area and conversion of natural habitat for development purposes. | |
| Threats | |
| Human settlements (non agricultural), Housing and urban areas, Commercial and industrial areas, Pollution, Industrial and military effluents, Household sewage, urban waste water, Unspecified, Transportation and service corridors, Shipping lanes, Biological resource use, Fishing and harvesting aquatic resources, Natural system modifications, Vegetation clearance/ land conversion | |
