The ecosystem of the backwaters in Kerala is quite exclusive. Interestingly, freshwater from the rivers converges in the backwaters in Kerala along with the seawater from the Arabian Sea. In fact the backwaters in Kerala are ideal abode for aquatic bird species and fauna. Animal specifies include crabs, frogs and mudskippers. Some of the aquatic birds are terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants. In and around the backwaters in Kerala one can find animals like otters and turtles that live life on their own terms.
Numerous trees like palm, pandanus and also Indian shrubs, and a handful of leafy plants and bushes are grown on the sides of the backwaters in Kerala. It seems as if the whole region is wearing a lush green color.
Fishermen and other community members reside in the backwaters in Kerala and have also developed unique attachment with surroundings. For sustaining their livelihood the localites are largely dependant on the backwaters in Kerala. Fishes are caught from the water bodies. Also crops like paddy, coconut etc are grown on the water banks. Boats are the main transports of the backwaters in Kerala. In fact they also manufacture boats on their own. All these reflect the conventional life style of these native people.
