Source: TH
Context: The Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), a rare and vulnerable bird of prey, was recently sighted in the Pulluzhi kole wetlands, a Ramsar-protected area in Kerala.
About Eastern Imperial Eagle:
- Scientific Classification: Member of the family Accipitridae; subfamily Aquilinae.
- Habitat: Found in old forests, mountain and riverine forests, and isolated tall trees for nesting.
- Range: Breeds in southeastern Europe, West, and Central Asia; migrates to northeastern Africa, Middle East, and South/East Asia in winter.
- Physical Features:
- Large eagle with a wingspan of 1.76 to 2.2 m and length between 68 to 90 cm.
- Reverse sexual dimorphism: females larger than males.
- Golden crown and nape, grey base to the tail, white “braces” on scapulars.
- Keen eyesight, strong legs with curved talons for prey capture.
- Conservation Status: Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
About Thrissur-Ponnani Kole Wetlands:
- Location: Spreads across Thrissur and Malappuram districts in Kerala, India.
- Area: Covers 13,632 hectares (33,690 acres).
- Significance:
- Provides 40% of Kerala’s rice requirement.
- Acts as a natural drainage system for Thrissur city, Ponnani city, and surrounding districts.
- Part of the Central Asian Flyway, supporting migratory bird species.
- Boundaries: Lies between Chalakudy River (South) and Bharathappuzha River (North), extending to Ponnani Taluk.
- Hydrological Network: Connects to Enamavu River, Canoli Canal, Chettuva River, and flows into the Arabian Sea.
- Soil Fertility: Enriched by alluvium soil deposited by Kechery and Karuvannoor rivers during monsoons.
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