A biodiversity survey was conducted at Mattakelle Tea Estate with the objective of assessing the significance of a given tea plantation ecosystem in maintaining vertebrates and invertebrates diversity. Seven different habitats (home garden, seasonal stream, small scale reservoir, Eucalyptus forest, wetland, tea field and secondary forest) identified in previous study were surveyed. The monitoring was conducted from October, 2012 to April 2013 using line transect method.
According to the present study, the diversity of invertebrates and vertebrates in Mattakelle tea estate is increased significantly than the previous biodiversity survey. The present observation compared with previous records, added 18 more species to the new list, making a total of 152 vertebrates and invertebrates species from the estate. The notable addition to the list is the Hymenopterans, odonates, butterflies and birds were observed in various ecosystems in the Mattakelle Estate. During the survey, 3 species of Hymenopterans, 11 species of dragonflies and damselflies, 46 species of butterflies, 2 species of fresh water fishes, 10 species of amphibians, 7 species of reptiles, 66 species of birds and 7 species of mammals were observed. Among them, 27 endemic species, 13 critically endangered/ endangered species, 10 vulnerable species and 13 species in near threatened category were recorded.
The study revealed that each of the habitats provided unique niches and supported maintenance of natural diversity. Vegetation structure and the complexity of the ecosystem in tea plantations play a vital role in sustaining animal diversity. Nevertheless very important information was gathered; especially a number of observations were made on the threatened and endangered species that included first records of rare species attesting to the importance of the ecosystem.
The present management of Mattakelle estate has been established home garden systems with fruit and economically beneficial plant species such as Mango, Avocado and Citrus while newly planted native tree species were observed in abandoned lands. Besides, number of small ponds has also been established for water purification as well as water conservation. Those habitats are highly important for aquatic life such as dragonflies, freshwater fishes and amphibians.
Several conservation measures such as increasing plant diversity, introduction of shade trees, conduct of good agricultural practices and prevention from setting fire are recommended to protect and conserve animal diversity. The outcome can be made use for developing of strategies, to converse the diversity and to make effective and critical decisions to minimize the impact of human activities on the ecosystem.
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