Thiruvananthapuram: Peringammala, where the state government is planning to set up a waste-to-energy plant, is rich in biodiversity. A recent survey conducted by Warblers & Waders, a forum of birdwatchers and nature lovers, found that there are more than 80 species of birds, 30 species of dragonflies and 60 species of butterflies in the area.The team visited Peringammala on January 12 following the request of the action council formed by the residents and people representatives. According to C Susanth, birdwatcher and expert in birds and butterflies, the sighting of Great Black Woodpecker at Peringammala was among the cherished moments for the team.“Great Black Woodpecker is a threatened species and is the largest woodpecker seen in the state. I had seen the bird previously in Arippa around 20 years ago. Sighting of these birds speaks a lot about the ecosystem in the region,” said Susanth.Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey-Headed Bulbul, Small Sunbird, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Barbet, Nilgiri Flowerpecker and Rufous Babbler were among the other significant sightings during the survey.In the survey report, Warblers & Waders suggests finding another location for the waste treatment plant with reasons to conserve the biodiversity of Peringammala. The group has planned another visit to Peringammala for a survey on the night birds, like owls.Other forest birds observed during the survey were Drongo, Cuckoo, Banded-bay Cuckoo, Black-headed Cuckooshrike, Large Cuckooshrike, Green Imperial Pigeon, Crested Tree Swift and Haircresred Drongo. Butterfly species including Malabar Rose, Travancore Evening Brown and dragonflies Kodagu Clubtail were found in the Chittar river region of Peringamala “Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad has also proposed to conduct a detailed study on the ecological importance of Peringammala. We hope to get a positive response from the government through these reports,” said the chairman of the action council, Nizar Muhamed Sulfi.

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