Udhagamandalam: The situation in the Segur plateau in general and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in particular due to lack of rains is worrisome but not alarming, according to longtime observers.

Conservationist Dr. P.J. Vasanthan opines, “The picture is not as bleak as painted, for these forests which are now seen shorn of their foliage are known to regenerate quickly even after a brief shower.”

The Segur Plateau, flanked by the Kokalbetta and the Ebbanad ranges, within which MTR lies, is situated in the rain shadow region of both the monsoons and its scanty precipitation has been documented from colonial times.

The flora, mostly made up of tracts of open dry deciduous forests and xeric scrub, is specially adapted to withstand long dry spells. The plateau is also well watered by the many perennial streams that originate in the summits, mainly Moyar River and its numerous feeders. During dry spells, these streams not only quench the thirst of the denizens of the jungle, but also serve as a foraging source for the riparian and gallery forests that line their banks.

However, Dr. Vasanthan added that the dry conditions have exposed the region to threats of a varied kind. He pointed out that forest fires pose a real threat, for the tinder-dry conditions are ideal for fires, resulting either from a carelessly thrown matchstick or cigarette butt.

Fragmentation of habitat has led some animals, particularly the larger herbivores, to stray into human habitations in search of food and water, resulting in escalation of man-animal conflicts.

Meanwhile forest dept sources said a number of steps have been taken, including provision of salt licks in many places; filling up of water troughs in the different ranges almost daily; eco guards to create awareness among tourists about consequences of bush fires; work on drawing fire lines in various parts of the 321 sq km reserve was also in progress.