The Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust (PNLIT) conducted a BioBlitz on the 17th of July at Puttenhalli Lake in JP Nagar's 7th Phase. PNLIT has been actively working towards the rejuvenation and maintenance of Puttenahalli Lake since 2010. In an attempt to raise awareness about lakes in Bangalore, they have conducted workshops and events including nature journaling, educational trips and guided bird walks. The lake was rain-fed up until 2015. Later, arrangements were made to divert excess treated water from South City’s STP. They have a small wasteland built to filter the water coming from one end of the lake. In 2008, the lake was a marshy dump yard. Due to the combined efforts from BBMP, PNLIT and corporate volunteers, Puttenahalli Lake has now gained recognition as an avian habitat with over 60 species of birds found in and around the lake. Over 400 trees surround the lake which provide a habitat to many species of fungi, lichens, birds, insects and small mammals. The lake teems with fishes, crabs, water snakes, etc.
The BioBlitz event was led by avid birder and biologist Dr. Kaustubh Rau. A group of students and nature enthusiasts were present for the walk. A BioBlitz is a way of creating a biological inventory to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms found in a specific region. The inventory can also aid in timeline study to plot the biodiversity.
We covered around 20 meters around the lake and started by discussing different trees, the insects associated with them and their unique properties. We started the discussion with lichens and how they are good indicators of air quality. We saw a rat snake (possibly) thanks to the alarm sets by mynas. All along the path, we found snails, wasps, butterflies and many spiders, particularly a very cool “signature” spider. We noticed fire ants' nests and learned that these ants are not native to India! Among other trees was the Pink Casia tree which attracts many species of insects with its gum; the Arjuna tree, known for its medical properties; the "Buddha Coconut" tree and its unique seed pod; the Kadam, the Badminton Ball tree, a fig tree, a Mahua tree, a gooseberry tree and the flame of the forest. We enjoyed cherries from a tree at the end of the walk.
The bird population present at the lake is quite impressive. It’s wonderful to know the amount of life a lake supports or has the potential to support. The birds we spotted were red-whiskered bulbul, barbets, oriental darter, coots, grebe, spotted billed duck, egret, brahminy kite, grey-headed swamphen, pond heron, great cormorant, little cormorant, Indian cormorant and prinia. The highlight of them all was a grebe family. The mother grebe left her nest with three little chicks following. The reluctant fourth chick eventually got a piggyback ride on dad’s back.
Certain elements of the lake were unique and could be added to other lakes. There are perches for birds to rest on and floating islands for birds to nest and seek refuge. These Artificial Floating Islands bear different bio-filter plants to curtail plant growth in the lake. There are fountains for the aeration of the water in the lake. They have also grown flowering plants on the slope for butterflies and birds to wander. Towards the central area closer to the birds, the slopes had wetland species of grasses growing. The gradual slopes promote more biodiversity to thrive as compared to steep slopes.
BioBlitz is an interesting exercise to tune one’s eyes to observe the biodiversity around us. The activity encourages experts and novices to engage with nature and share knowledge. It is a great way for people of all ages to engage in citizen science projects. Puttenahalli lake is a great example to highlight the amount of life a lake supports or has the potential to support. You can find a list of flora and fauna found at Puttenahalli lake here.
Sneham Pandey
