Kasaragod district in India has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first district in the country to officially designate its own tree, flower, bird, and species. This noteworthy decision celebrates the district’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage, emphasizing the need for conservation.
The official tree of Kasaragod district is ‘Kanjiram’ (Strychnos nux-vomica Linn), a species whose name is derived from ‘kasara,’ meaning wormwood, echoing the district’s name’s origin. This declaration has a crucial role in preserving these trees and preventing their unnecessary felling.
The district’s chosen bird is the White Bellied Sea Hawk, native to the region stretching from Mahe to Manjeswaram. This remarkable bird is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, and its nesting habits are instrumental in safeguarding the trees it inhabits.
Kasaragod has also designated the Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle, locally known as ‘Bheemanama,’ as the district species. This rare species is listed on the Red List of Endangered Freshwater Turtles and relies on estuaries for egg-laying, making its conservation a critical endeavor.
The district’s official flower is ‘Periya Polathali’ or Crinum malabarica, distinguished by its white flowers tinged with red. This unique plant is exclusively found in the streams originating from the laterite hills in Kasaragod, underscoring its significance.
This decision to recognize these natural elements officially was jointly taken by the district panchayat and the Biodiversity Management Committee. The initiative aims to honor and preserve the district’s abundant biodiversity and natural heritage, which face increasing threats from development and other human activities.
Baby Balakrishnan, the district panchayat president, highlighted how this declaration has played a pivotal role in safeguarding natural treasures. For example, the district recently denied permission to fell approximately 21 Kanchira trees in Poinachi, where a solar plant project was proposed. The newfound status of the tree as the district’s official tree has given a boost to conservation efforts, as reported by The Hindu.
Shyam Kumar Puravankara, a member of the District Biodiversity Management Committee, emphasized that conservation efforts not only benefit birds and other species but also their habitats. Protecting the White Bellied Sea Hawk, for instance, ensures the preservation of the trees and their surroundings.
