Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary UPSC

The Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a significant area for bird conservation and biodiversity in Tamil Nadu, and its Ramsar designation underscores its global ecological importance.

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is renowned as a nesting and roosting site for several migratory heron species. These birds use the prominent growth of babul trees within the sanctuary as a habitat for breeding and raising their young.

The sanctuary is characterized by its wetland habitats, including freshwater lakes, marshes, and mudflats. These habitats provide critical breeding and feeding grounds for a diverse range of bird species.

Table of Contents Location History Area Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary Location

The Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is located near Mudukulathur in the Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated in the southern part of India. The Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary is nearby. 

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is the Madurai Airport, which is approximately 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) away. Madurai Airport is the closest major airport, and from there, you can reach the sanctuary by road.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is the Ramanathapuram Railway Station, which is approximately 35 kilometers (about 22 miles) away.

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary History

The Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary has a history tied to its conservation and ecological significance. Here's a brief overview of its history:

1. Establishment as a Bird Sanctuary: The Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary was officially established as a protected area on 27th September 1989. This notification marked the beginning of its status as a protected wildlife sanctuary under Indian law.

2. Ecological Significance: The sanctuary's importance lies in its wetland ecosystems, including freshwater lakes, marshes, and mudflats. These habitats attract a diverse range of bird species, both resident and migratory, making it a critical area for avian biodiversity.

3. Ramsar Designation: In 2022, the Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary received the prestigious designation as a Ramsar site. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance recognized under the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty aimed at conserving and sustainably managing wetlands. This designation acknowledges the sanctuary's global significance in wetland conservation.

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary Area

The Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 1.04 square kilometers (0.40 square miles). This protected area in the Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu, India, encompasses a relatively small but ecologically significant portion of wetland and forested habitats, making it an important site for bird conservation and biodiversity.

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary Flora

The flora of the Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, India, includes a variety of plant species, with the dominant vegetation being tropical dry deciduous forest. Here are some of the notable plant species found in the sanctuary:

• Babul (Acacia nilotica)
• Prosopis juliflora
• Bermuda Grass
• Eremopogon foveolatus
• Tamarind Trees
• Fig Trees
• Neem Trees
• Portia Trees
• Silk Trees (Albizia amara)
• Drumstick Trees (Murungai in Tamil)
• Palmyra Palms

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is known for its rich avian fauna, with a variety of resident and migratory bird species. Here's a list of some of the notable bird species and other wildlife found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Grey Wolf

Birds:

• Grey Heron
• Spoonbill
• Painted Stork
• White Ibis
• Black Ibis
• Little Egret
• Great Egret
• Cormorants
• Teals
• Ducks
• Pelicans
• White Storks

Reptiles:

• Snakes
• Lizards

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. What is Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary famous for?

A. The Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, India, is famous for several reasons:

(i) Rich Avian Diversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse birdlife, including both resident and migratory bird species. It serves as a vital habitat and breeding ground for numerous avian species.

(ii) Migratory Birds: Kanjirankulam is particularly famous as a nesting and roosting site for several migratory heron species. These birds arrive in large numbers during the winter months, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

(iii) Painted Storks: The sanctuary is known for its population of painted storks (Mycteria leucocephala), which are near-threatened and a visually striking bird species.

(iv) Wetland Ecosystem: The sanctuary's wetland ecosystems, including freshwater lakes, marshes, and mudflats, are ecologically significant and provide crucial breeding and feeding grounds for various bird species.

(v) Ramsar Site: Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary received the designation as a Ramsar site in 2022, emphasizing its global significance in wetland conservation.