Kolam Xina (site description)

Kolam Xina, is a fairly nice site to visit from NOV-AUG. This site located next to the Lifau Monument, (LAT. -9.199575°; LONG. 124.310529°) is composed of a flood plain with water flowing from different rice fields into two larger ponds (ponds/"kolam"). During the different visits to this site the best area thus far to photograph Odonatans has been that located in the aforementioned coordinates.

Fig. 1 - Rice fields (landside) and Spinifex grass (beach side)

This site has the usual coastal vegetation found throughout Oe-Cusse. On the beach side vegetation starts with Spinifex grass closer to the ocean, followed by Ipomea pes caprae, and Vitex trifolia on the edges of the pond. Jatropha takes over patches of Spinifex that have been cleared by means of fire.

Fig. 2 - The brackish water pond

Borassus palms are found growing after the Vitex trifolias as you move towards the land side. The road that takes you to this pond has majestic Tamarind trees and Chinese Jujube (Zyziphus) trees. Ground birds are commonly spotted here along with other shore birds, doves, and King fishers.

Fig. 3 - Borassus palms

The species recorded in this site include:

• Diplacodes trivialis; Click here to see a record of this species for this site
• Pantala flavescens; Click here to see a record of this species in this site.
• Orthetrum sabina; Click here to see a record of this species for this site
• Crocothemis servilia; Click here to see a record of this species for this site

The water from the ponds then flows to the ocean by means of an improvised canal which is maintained by the farmers.

Publicado el agosto 25, 2018 09:16 MAÑANA por ruidasilvapinto