Forested wetland near Bhuigaon Beach, Maharashtra, India

Environment

Environment

Untouched

Surrounding area

The swamp is located near the fisherman village of Bhuigaon. People near this area more over dependent on fisheries and agriculture.  Large area near the ecosystem is surrounded with coconut tree plantation farm and banana culture. The swamp area is beautiful location for insects, crabs and fish, with some submersed palm trees.

Underwater landscape

Forested swamp near Bhuigaon Beach Vasai-Virar:  this swamp is home to a variety of ornamental value fish. This wetland is naturally formed and represents a very diverse ecosystem that is home to a variety of fish. The water mass is surrounded by palm trees and almond trees, which have helped in developing a red water or blackwater ecosystem.

The underwater landscape consists of red soil, sand, and silt composition, which makes this water tan red. Water available is slightly cloudy in Nature because of the constant dropping of dried almond and palm leaves in the water mass. But this also helps in creating a balanced ecosystem by developing beneficial bacteria in water.

Fishes:

• Channa argus (Channidae)
• Aplocheilus panchax (Aplocheilidae)
• Rasbora daniconius (Cyprinidae)

Aquatic plants:

• Pontederiaceae crassipes (Pontederiaceae)

Threats to ecology

This biotope is set to bring to your notice that this ecosystem is home to a diverse variety of really beautiful indigenous ornamental fish. Our organization is working on culture and awareness of this indigenous species found in this area so people could know the value of such beautiful fish life in this area.

But in the last few years area is been invaded by commercial purposes, which are harming and reducing the swamp area. Because of these activities the breeding ground of the fish is being affected that has reduced the fish population in the swamp area.

The area is close to the beach, so because of tourist there is lots of waste dumping near the swamp area – plastic waste is dumped in the swamp that is affecting fish life. Proper waste management needs to be carried out in the area and awareness about the swamp ecosystem needs to be brought to the notice of local and authority.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat

Few -