Susanna Korah

LA4003-1

The study investigates marshy grasslands also termed as 'vayal' (colloquially) found in tropical evergreen forest (Southern western ghats, Periyar tiger reserve). Critically studying each system formed, it was inferred that the vayals, a critical habitat formed in low altitudes are deteriorating and many palatable species got replaced by non-palatable exotic species. Continuing this investigation, the journey looks at one fauna species, wild boar and how their existence was very critical for the health of vayal ecosystem. It asks one to pause and find the discontinued journey of wild boars to the vayals due to habitat fragmentation and its after effects.