Flora of Amahar Reservoir Wetland in Korea District, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

Background: Wetlands are highly valuable ecosystems that purify water, support rich biodiversity, regulate wildlife populations, and provide essential ecological services crucial for sustaining life and environmental balance. The study focuses on floristic composition and ecosystem characteristics of Amahar reservoir wetland located at Amahar and Khairi village of Patna tahsil of Korea district of Chhattisgarh state of India. This medium sized manmade reservoir covers approximately 68.6 hectare area. The survey carried out between December 2025 to January 2026. Objective:  The study aim was documenting the floristic diversity of the wetland ecosystem and understanding the ecological interactions among flora, fauna, and abiotic environmental factors. Another objective was to recommend strategies for conservation of wetland for sustainable socio economic and ecological benefits. Methodology: The study was carried out as an exploratory and observational field based ecological study. The survey was adopted a qualitative research approach with assessing floristic composition, ecological interaction and ecological health. accessible areas of the wetland included marshy shallow water areas, shoreline vegetation zones, submerged aquatic habitats and swampy margins and mudflats. Results: This wetland have more marshy area which support more emergent, submerged and floating vegetation. We found a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Many local and migratory bird species also observed which is indicating availability of rich vegetation. Most dominant producers of wetland are Hydrilla, Chara, Spirogyra, Nymphaea, Nelumbo nucifera and Marsilea species. Butomopsis latifolia also observed growing abundantly near shore area of wetland. Many plant species of cyperaceae and convonvulaceae family is forming bushes and hedges including spike rush, Ipomaeaa near shore area. Clean water, high plant and avifaunal diversity indicate healthy wetland ecosystem. Absence of industries and urban settlements in catchment area of wetland is good for wetland health. Some rural settlement with hunting activity are identified. The wetland also supports local livelihood through irrigation and fishing activity. Ecological importance of wetland is very high for this area. Some protection strategies including monitoring of human activity, community awareness is essential for sustaining biodiversity and ensuring long term ecological and socio economic benefits. Deepen shore may be important to reduce human activities.  Conclusion: The observed rich plant diversity and ecosystem health indicate that Amahar Reservoir is relatively undisturbed and functioning efficiently as a natural system. The interaction between flora, fauna, and abiotic factors such as water availability and climate demonstrates a well-balanced ecosystem with human. The presence of dense avifaunal diversity in diverse ecological niches from submerged zones to marshy edges enhances species richness and ecological resilience.