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Neyyar Dam, Neyyar River Basin, Western Ghats, Kerala, India
India, Kerala, Neyyar
This biotope represents a tropical freshwater river habitat located downstream of Neyyar Dam in the Agasthyamalai region of the Western Ghats, India. The habitat was observed during the summer low-water season, when reduced discharge exposes large sections of the rocky riverbed and creates a series of shallow pools connected by slow-flowing channels.
The water is exceptionally clear, allowing visibility of the substrate and submerged stones. During the dry season, the current is gentle to moderate, forming calm pools and shallow runs around exposed rocks. The water has a subtle greenish-brown colouration, resulting from reflections of the surrounding vegetation and dissolved organic matter, contributing to the natural character of this tropical river ecosystem.
- Submitted by
- Anandhu M.
- Approved by
- Hans-Georg Evers & Friedrich Bitter
- GPS
- 8.5323372, 77.1454163
- Geographical region
- Southern Asia
- Drainage Basin
- Neyyar river basin
- River catchment
- Neyyar River
- Water body type
- Stream
- Water body name
- Neyyar River
- Water body part
- Channel
- Water body course
- Middle course
- Water body: tributary of
- Stream
- Tributary name
- Neyyar River
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Water Chemistry
Water information
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Water color
- Clear water
- Water transparency
- High
- Concentration of sediments
- Low
- Water temperature
- 24 °C
- Water flow/curent
- Slow
Chemical parameters
- pH
- 6.9
- Conductivity
- GH
- dGH
- KH
- dKH
- Dissolved Oxygen
- 115 %
Substrate in nature
- Sand
- Orange
- Pebble/Gravel
- Mixed
- Stone
- Brown
- Stone form
- Irregular
- Silt/Mud
- None
- Leaves
- None
- Driftwood
- Few
- Submerged terrestrial vegetation
- None
Aquatic Biotope
- Date of collecting
- 9 May, 2026
- Collecting area
- River bank
- Water depth
- 0,2m
- Air temperature
- 28 °C
- Sunlight
- Full sun
Environment
- Environment
- Affected by human activity
- Affected by human activity
- Agriculture
- Agriculture
- Little
- Surrounding area
The surrounding area of this stream section is dominated by dense tropical vegetation typical of the southern Western Ghats. The riverbanks are covered with a mixture of shrubs, grasses, climbers, and evergreen vegetation, creating a humid and shaded riparian environment. Coconut palms and secondary vegetation are also present in the background, reflecting a semi-rural landscape influenced by both natural habitats and limited human activity.
Large exposed granite rocks and boulders are scattered throughout the stream channel and along the banks, indicating strong seasonal water flow during the monsoon period and reduced discharge during the summer months. The surrounding landscape is gently undulating to moderately hilly rather than mountainous, with the stream flowing through a broad rocky channel downstream of Neyyar Dam.
- Underwater landscape
The underwater landscape of this habitat is dominated by exposed granite bedrock, rounded boulders, cobbles, pebbles, and coarse gravel. Large rocks create shallow pools, small crevices, and gentle flow channels throughout the stream. Fine sediments are scarce, indicating regular flushing during periods of stronger monsoon discharge.
The uneven and highly structured streambed provides shelter, grazing surfaces, and microhabitats for aquatic organisms. Algal growth develops on submerged rock surfaces due to the clear water and high light penetration during the summer low-water season. Small accumulations of leaf litter and organic debris may occur between rocks and along slower-flowing margins, contributing to nutrient cycling within the habitat.
Fish:
- Garra mullya (Cyprinidae)
- Haludaria fasciata (Cyprinidae)
- Pseudetroplus maculatus (Etroplinae, Cichliformes)
- Lepidocephalichthys thermalis (Cobitidae)
- Threats to ecology
Riparian zone
- Trees near the aquatic habitat
-
Few -
