Kannur's 'mangrove man' races to save rare Kannampotti from local extinction

For over four decades, Parayil Rajan, a fisherman from Thavam in Kannur district, has dedicated his life to protecting the region's mangrove ecosystems. Known locally as 'Kandal Rajan' (mangrove Rajan), he now faces his toughest challenge yet: saving a rare mangrove variety called Kannampotti (Excoecaria agallocha), which he fears may vanish from the district's tidal landscape.

Mr. Rajan has been collecting seeds of this species from scattered locations across the region and nurturing them in a small nursery attached to his home. According to him, the Kannampotti mangrove is now found only in a handful of sites in and around Kannur. His nursery, however, has successfully produced more than 2,000 seedlings, offering a glimmer of hope for the species' survival.

The Kannampotti mangrove, scientifically known as Excoecaria agallocha, is a salt-tolerant tree that thrives in intertidal zones. It is one of several mangrove species that form a crucial buffer along Kerala's coastline, protecting shores from erosion and storm surges. Mangroves also serve as breeding grounds for fish and other marine life, supporting the livelihoods of fishing communities like the one Mr. Rajan belongs to.

Despite their ecological significance, mangroves in Kannur and across India face multiple threats. Encroachment, aquaculture expansion, and pollution have led to the degradation and loss of mangrove habitats. The rare Kannampotti variety, in particular, has seen a sharp decline due to its limited distribution and the conversion of its natural habitat for other uses.

Mr. Rajan's efforts are a grassroots response to this environmental crisis. He has been working without any formal institutional support, relying on his own resources and knowledge gained from years of observing the mangroves. His nursery, set up on his property, is a modest operation but one that holds significant potential for restoration projects.

Local environmentalists and researchers have taken note of his work. They point out that community-led conservation efforts like Mr. Rajan's are vital in complementing government initiatives under the National Mangrove Committee and the Coastal Regulation Zone norms. However, they also stress the need for systematic documentation and scientific validation of the seedlings' genetic diversity before large-scale planting.

The district administration has acknowledged Mr. Rajan's contribution, and there have been discussions about involving him in future mangrove restoration programmes. Yet, much remains to be done to ensure that the Kannampotti mangrove does not disappear. Experts say that protecting existing mangrove patches and restoring degraded areas with locally sourced seedlings are key steps.

For Mr. Rajan, the mission is personal. He remembers a time when mangroves lined the backwaters and estuaries in abundance. Today, he points to patches of bare mudflats where trees once stood. 'Each seedling is a chance to bring back what we lost,' he says.

His work has inspired a few younger fishermen to join him in collecting seeds and caring for the nursery. But he is concerned about the long-term future of his conservation efforts. He hopes that with greater awareness and support, the rare Kannampotti mangrove will not just survive but thrive again in Kannur's waterways.

As climate change intensifies the risks to coastal communities, the protection of mangroves has become a global priority. The story of Kandal Rajan is a reminder that ordinary citizens can play an extraordinary role in preserving the natural heritage of their regions.