Abstract
An analysis of the floating islands of Kuttanad–Vembanad Wetland Ecosystem (KVWE) was conducted as part of a major study on aquatic macrophyte vegetation of Kuttanad from November 2004 to November 2006. The study revealed that there are three types of floating islands in KVWE which vary considerably in their origin, development, species composition, community and physical structure and sustenance even though there are common vegetation elements. Among the three types the type-1 which formed in deep excavated portions of abandoned rice fields is found as the biotic climax in the ecological succession. Continuous abandoning of rice fields, stagnation, nutrient enrichment, proliferation of exotic invasive plants and less salinity and tidal flow are the major ecological factors which are found promoting this recent formation of floating islands here indicating the level of deterioration of the ecosystem. KVWE is one of the fast changing wetland sites of the world located in the State of Kerala, India with well developed and ancient culture, economy, art and rich biodiversity. Rice cultivation need to be promoted at all costs in order to save this wetland.
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