Vechoor
Grama Panchayat

                      Vechoor Gram Panchayat is rich in a wide variety of flora and fauna. A comprehensive study on the biodiversity resources of Vechoor Gram Panchayat was conducted, and the Biodiversity Register was prepared and submitted to the public in August 2011.

Flora

The mangrove forests found along the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake, which forms the western boundary of Vechoor Gram Panchayat, are one of the distinctive features of the region. Various plants and trees such as Plathi, Uppanga, Mangroves, and Vezhangova (reed) were once abundant in these mangrove forests.

As the region is rich in canals and waterways, a variety of aquatic plants such as African payal, lotus, water lily, water hyacinth, Kulappayal, and Mullampayal are also commonly found.

Kaitha is an important plant resource that provides employment in the traditional mat-making sector. Kadakkaitha, which was once commonly found in the region, is now gradually becoming rare.

The region, with its extensive mangrove forests and paddy fields, also serves as a habitat for a wide variety of birds. Vechoor Gram Panchayat is rich in diverse and rare bird species, including locally known species such as Neelakkozhi, Kottan, Neerkkakka, Mundi, and Kullakkozhi.

Fauna

Vechoor is known both within Kerala and outside the state for the Vechur cattle, a unique indigenous breed of cattle. These native cattle, traditionally reared in the Vechoor region since ancient times, are facing the threat of becoming endangered.

The distinctive physical characteristics of the Vechur cattle include a height of less than 90 centimetres, a compact and rounded body, a tail that nearly touches the ground, and short, slightly curved horns.

Other notable characteristics include high disease resistance, low feed requirements, and milk with medicinal and nutritional properties. The average daily milk production is approximately 3 litres.

The milk contains more than 6% fat, and its relatively high phospholipid content is considered beneficial for the nutritional needs and cognitive development of children.

The comprehensive Biodiversity Register also documents a wide variety of fauna found in the region, including monitor lizards, squirrels, palm civets, bats, otters, turtles, snakes, woodpeckers, mynas, kingfishers, freshwater crabs, and other diverse animal species.