Pesticides in Wayanad fields make foxes disappear from ecosystem
Studies highlighted that toxins in the body of crabs, which foxes prayed upon mainly, had adversely affected their reproductive system, which led to a steep decline in fox population.
Studies highlighted that toxins in the body of crabs, which foxes prayed upon mainly, had adversely affected their reproductive system, which led to a steep decline in fox population.
Studies highlighted that toxins in the body of crabs, which foxes prayed upon mainly, had adversely affected their reproductive system, which led to a steep decline in fox population.
Kalpetta: The foxes in Wayanad are disappearing at a rapid pace possibly due to the rampant usage of chemical pesticides in the fields and agricultural lands in the district. The shocking observation was made in a study conducted by the Aryanakam Nature Foundation. The reports suggest that the disappearance of foxes has led to the uncontrollable rise in the population of wild hogs that destroy the farmlands, putting the lives and properties of the farmers in jeopardy.
Earlier, foxes hunted piglets in the fields and farms, preventing the proliferation of wild hogs. However, the number of wild hogs skyrocketed when the foxes began to gradually disappear. The report suggests that the increase in peacocks too may be because of the declining fox population.
Meanwhile, the report states that scientific studies and research are required to ensure the presence of foxes in Kerala’s ecosystem although this information has been derived from extensive observations and surmises. Even though foxes attack and kill pet birds like hens and roosters, they are not as harmful to farmers as wild hogs.
Most people who took part in the survey stated that they didn’t consider fox a harmful animal. Moreover, they believe that foxes help the farmers by hunting rodents and pigs. However, some of them expressed concerns about the risk of rabies and home-grown hens getting killed.
Where are the crabs?
Foxes that are omnivores mainly ate crabs that grow in the fields. Hence, the presence of crabs was inevitable for the existence of foxes in the area. However, the crabs began absorbing toxins due to rampant usage of chemical fertilizers in the fields and farms. The foxes that caught and ate these crabs ingested the toxins, leading to severe health problems and even death. Meanwhile, there had been multiple studies that highlighted how the toxins in their body had adversely affected their reproductive system, which led to a steep decline in fox population.
“Foxes were spotted only in Amabalavayal in Wayanad. The local investigation conducted as part of the survey revealed that foxes have disappeared from many places where they were found earlier. There is no evidence to suggest that foxes may have migrated to other areas,” says noted wildlife expert Dr. PS Eesa.