MUMBAI NATURE AND LIFE

                     Mumbai Nature And Wildlife

Mumbai is a megacity, but within and around its urban sprawl lies a surprising diversity of nature and wildlife. The city's biodiversity is defined by its coastal wetlands, extensive mangrove systems, and a large national park at its core. This juxtaposition of a concrete jungle and wild habitats supports a variety of species, from leopards and bats to thousands of migratory flamingos.

Major biodiversity hotspots

Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Aarey Forest

•  Significance: Located between the Mumbai and Thane suburbs, this park and the adjacent Aarey Milk Colony are considered the "Lungs of Mumbai". The SGNP is one of the world's few protected areas within a major city.

• Flora: The evergreen and moist deciduous forests of SGNP and Aarey contain over 1,200 species of flora.

•  Fauna: It is home to a staggering diversity of fauna, including leopards, Indian giant squirrels, wild boars, a variety of reptiles, and over 400 species of birds.

Mahim Nature Park (MNP)

•  Significance: A unique urban nature park located on the banks of the Mithi River, MNP has been transformed from a dumping ground into a green oasis.

•  Flora and Fauna: It showcases a remarkable variety of plants, birds, and insects in the heart of the city.

IIT Bombay Campus

•  Significance: A study by WWF-India found that the campus has a rich biodiversity, hosting over 100 protected species of flora and fauna. Its proximity to SGNP makes it an important habitat.

• Diversity: Despite increasing development, the campus serves as a significant green lung and carbon sink, though fragmented habitats threaten megafauna visits.

Coastal and mangrove hotspots

Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary

• Significance: An internationally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA), this sanctuary is Mumbai's second protected area and a prime example of its coastal biodiversity.

• Fauna: It is most famous for hosting thousands of migratory Lesser and Greater Flamingos that visit its mudflats every winter.

Sewri
Mudflats

• Significance: Before the development of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea Link, the mudflats at Sewri were a vital feeding ground for thousands of flamingos and other migratory birds during winter.

Mangrove Forests

• Significance: Mangrove forests are essential coastal ecosystems that protect Mumbai from erosion and flooding. They are found across various coastal areas of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

•  Key Locations: Notable mangrove areas include:
• Godrej Mangroves, Vikhroli: A vast private mangrove forest.

• Navi Mumbai Mangroves: Located in Kopar Khairane, Seawoods, and the areas surrounding the Thane Creek.

• Suburban Mangroves: Found in areas such as Versova, Lokhandwala, Malad, Dahisar, and Gorai. Coastal Intertidal Hotspots

• Significance: Mumbai's beaches and rocky outcrops host unique intertidal wildlife.

•  Marine Life of Mumbai: Organizations like Marine Life of Mumbai run shore walks to educate the public about the marine biodiversity, including hermit crabs, corals, and sea anemones, found along the city's coastline, including Haji Ali, Carter Road, and Juhu Beach.

Wildlife species

Mammals

• Indian flying fox: A large species of bat that can be seen roosting in colonies at locations like Jijamata Udyaan in Byculla.

• Leopards: A remarkable population of these big cats thrives within Sanjay Gandhi National Park, living surprisingly close to the city's human population.

• Five-striped palm squirrel: A common sight in gardens and parks across the city.

• Indian giant squirrel: This large, colorful squirrel is a key species in sanctuaries near Mumbai, like Bhimashankar. Birds

• Flamingos: The most prominent bird species in Mumbai, gathering in large flocks at the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.

• Oriental dwarf kingfisher: A vibrant, striking bird that migrates to Mumbai's forested areas during the monsoon.

• Indian pitta: Another highly sought-after migratory bird known for its brilliant plumage, which can be seen in forested areas during certain seasons.

• Other common species: Mumbai's birdlife also includes black kites, Indian grey hornbills, rose-ringed parakeets, and Asian koels.

Reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates

• Snakes: Various species, including the Indian rock python, common cobra, and rat snake, inhabit the city's greener areas like SGNP and Aarey.

• Indian violet tarantula: An endemic species of giant spider found in the Western Ghats region, including forests in and around Mumbai.

• Butterflies: Mumbai is rich in butterfly species, including the common crow, blue tiger, and common Mormon swallowtail.

• Crabs: Crabs like the fiddler crab and mud crab are commonly found in mangrove and coastal areas.

Flora and vegetation

• Mangroves: Mumbai's mangrove forests are a crucial part of its ecosystem, protecting the coastline and providing a habitat for numerous species. Key mangrove species include Avicennia marina.

• Urban trees: Prominent tree species in the city include mango, banyan, coconut palm, and tamarind.

• Endemic plants: The forest ghost flower, a parasitic plant with beautiful blooms, can be found in the city's forested habitats during the monsoon.

• Wetland flora: Coastal areas and wetlands feature unique vegetation that thrives in marshy, saline conditions.

Threats to Mumbai's nature

              

Despite its rich biodiversity, Mumbai's rapid urbanization poses a significant threat to its natural habitats. Urban expansion, pollution, and the destruction of green spaces and wetlands endanger local flora and fauna. Environmental groups and conservation efforts work to protect these fragile ecosystems.

Mumbai's nature is severely threatened by the pressures of rapid urbanization, pollution, and climate change. Major infrastructure projects, along with insufficient waste management, have damaged critical ecosystems like the city's mangrove forests, rivers, and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Urbanization and habitat loss

•  Destruction of mangroves: Mumbai's vital mangrove forests, which act as natural flood barriers and nurseries for marine life, are under constant threat. Land reclamation, illegal dumping, and infrastructure projects like the Coastal Road and bullet train lines have significantly reduced mangrove cover.

•  Encroachment on green spaces: Increasing demand for housing and infrastructure is causing urban sprawl that eats away at the city's last remaining green spaces. Mumbai has lost thousands of hectares of tree cover in recent years, affecting vital urban forests like Aarey.

•  Threats to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP): The SGNP, an invaluable urban forest and the "green lungs" of Mumbai, is under constant pressure from encroachment, slums, and development projects. Habitat fragmentation resulting from road and metro construction threatens the park's wildlife, including leopards.

•  Reclamation from the sea: As a city built on reclaimed land, Mumbai's rapid, unplanned development has continually ignored the environmental consequences of tampering with its natural water systems, leading to severe flooding.

Pollution

•  Water pollution: Mumbai's rivers, creeks, and coastal waters are heavily polluted with plastic and untreated sewage.

•  Plastic pollution: The Mithi, Dahisar, and Oshiwara rivers are choked with plastic waste, which blocks drainage and leads to flooding. This waste also flows into the Arabian Sea, endangering marine animals that ingest or become entangled in it. Landfills near coastal ecosystems also contribute to plastic waste in the sea.

•  Sewage discharge: A significant portion of Mumbai's sewage is dumped directly into rivers, creeks, and the sea without adequate treatment. This contaminates seafood, spreads diseases, and degrades the habitat of marine species, including protected dolphins and porpoises.

• Air pollution: Road and construction dust, vehicular emissions, and industrial activity contribute to a high level of air pollution. This has a direct impact on public health and also affects the health of vegetation.

• Industrial pollution: Industrial clusters in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including the use of dirty fuels like coal, are a major source of air pollution and contribute to critically polluted areas.

Climate change

• Rising sea levels: As a coastal megacity largely built on reclaimed land, Mumbai is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by climate change. This increases the risk of severe coastal flooding and storm surges.

• Threat to marine ecosystems: Warmer sea temperatures can harm marine life and coastal ecosystems. The destruction of mangroves, a natural buffer against rising tides, makes the city more vulnerable to these threats.

•  Extreme weather events: Climate change is leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather, including cyclones like Tauktae in 2021, which have caused severe damage to fishing infrastructure and livelihoods.