Biodiversity survey reveals rich fauna at Vadale Lake, Panvel

- Indrani Basu
- 13 Jun, 2024
A comprehensive biodiversity survey of Vadale Lake in Panvel has been conducted by a group of dedicated environmental enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and environmental activists. This survey unveiled a diverse range of fauna inhabiting the lake, highlighting its ecological significance in the heart of the bustling historical city of Panvel.
The survey recorded an impressive variety of species, including 36 species of birds, 4 species of butterflies, 1 species of dragonfly, 1 species of damselfly, and 15 species of trees. The group observed that the lake is teeming with birds, including many nesting with newly hatched and older chicks. The rich vegetation around the lake provides excellent cover for nests and fragile chicks, protecting them from predators.
However, the survey team noted the presence of some invasive species in the lake. Despite this, they recommended against deweeding at this time due to the high number of nesting birds and roaming chicks. They suggested that deweeding should be postponed until the fledglings have matured to ensure minimal disturbance to the wildlife.
Jyoti Nadkarni, a member of the survey group, stated, "We will continue this survey every month in an elaborate and detailed manner. Schools and colleges, particularly from botany and zoology departments, are welcome to join us in this effort."
This survey is part of a five-year-long joint effort by Mr. Sudeep Athavale from ANUBHUTI Endeavours Pvt Ltd and Jyoti Nadkarni from Kharghar Wetlands and Hills. Their continuous monitoring aims to preserve this precious historical habitat, rich in natural biodiversity.
The survey team included: Sudeep Athavale; Jyoti Nadkarni; Shardul Varange; Dr. Tarin Mithel; Dr. Vidya Mithel; Prashant Khobrekar; Pradeep Kulkarni; Abhay Joshi.