Alterations in hydrological variables and substrate qualities and its impacts on a critical conservation reserve in the southwest coast of India

The present study investigated the long-term fluctuation in the hydrological and substrate variables at different habitats of Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve (KVCR) over the last decade. We hypothesize that natural impact represented by climate change and long-term impact from anthropogenic activities including industrialization and intensified agricultural practices have a direct effect on the natural hydrological cycle and the quality of coastal shores and thus can be a reason for coastal habitat and wildlife degradation. Results indicate a significant degradation in nutrient and organic matter concentration in the sediment and dramatic increase in nutrient concentration, salinity, temperature, and pH in the water. Sediment and water degradation can be one of the important factors affecting the structural quality and biodiversity of the region. Therefore, having long-term monitoring data can be useful to plan and design management and conservation strategies to protect local biodiversity and ecosystem. •Hydrological and sediment variables in KVCR of West coast of India were analysed.•Radical changes in water and sediment quality were observed during the past decade.•The changes in the composition caused the sediment to build up and harden.•It affected the prey abundance and thus impacted the shorebird population.•The study underpins the importance of ecosystem conservation strategies.