Sasthamkotta Lake

Overview
The Sasthamkotta lake the largest freshwater lake in Kerala is surrounded by hills on all sides except south where a bund has been constructed separating the lake from the neighbouring rice fields. A large part of the lake has been reclaimed for agriculture. The source of water is from the underground sprouts. The lake has a capacity to hold 22390 million litres of water and serves as the source of drinking water for half a million people of Kollam district. The lake has been designated as a Ramsar Site in November 2002

Justification for Designation as Ramsar Site
It is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala, the water in the lake is special in that it does not contain common salt or other minerals and metals.
Supports 27 species of freshwater fish including pearl spot and cat fish and two genera of prawns. The lake abounds in 21 species of herring and sardines of the family Cupeidae.

Biodiversity Values

Flora
The Insectivorous plant Drosera Sp. is found on the eastern shore of the lake. Vegetation is very scant, floating and rooted plants are negligible. Cashewnut, paddy, tapioca and plantain are grown on and along the banks of the lake. Phytoplankton is scarce and primary productivity is low.

Fauna
Wetland supports 27 species of freshwater fishes and two genera of prawns. The lake abounds in 21 species of herrings and sardines of the family Cupeidae alone. The most common fish in the lake is Callichrous bimaculatus and Wallago attu. The fish is so called because most of them are provided with whisker like barbels arranged round the mouth. Bonnet monkeys frequent the banks. Notable migratory birds are teals.