Karikili Bird Sanctuary

Karikili Bird Sanctuary UPSC

Karikili Bird Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its diverse avian population, including various resident and migratory bird species. It provides a vital habitat for water birds and serves as an essential foraging site for many avian species. 

The sanctuary, along with the nearby Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, has been recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in Tamil Nadu. It is also designated as a Ramsar site, signifying its international importance for wetland conservation.

Visitors to Karikili Bird Sanctuary have the opportunity to observe and appreciate the rich birdlife and natural beauty of the area. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in the conservation of avian biodiversity and wetland ecosystems in the region.

Table of Contents Location History Area Lake Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

Karikili Bird Sanctuary Location

Karikili Bird Sanctuary is located in the Chengalpattu District of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Karikili is situated about 10 km from Vedanthangal.

It is situated approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) south of Chengalpattu and about 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Chennai, which is the nearest major city. 

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Karikili Bird Sanctuary is the Chennai International Airport, which is located approximately 58 kilometers (about 36 miles) away from the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Karikili Bird Sanctuary is Chengalpattu Railway Station, which is situated approximately 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles) from the sanctuary.

Karikili Bird Sanctuary History

The Karikili Bird Sanctuary has a history of conservation efforts aimed at protecting its avian and natural treasures. Here's a brief history of the sanctuary:

1. Declaration as a Bird Sanctuary: The Karikili Bird Sanctuary was officially declared as a bird sanctuary in 1988. This designation recognized the area's importance as a habitat for various bird species, especially waterbirds.

2. Important Bird Area (IBA) Designation: Karikili Bird Sanctuary, in conjunction with Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, has been designated as one of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Tamil Nadu. Vedanthangal serves as a nesting site for many waterbirds, while Karikili serves as a foraging site, highlighting its significance in bird conservation.

3. Ramsar Site Designation: A significant milestone in the sanctuary's history is its designation as a Ramsar site in 2022. Ramsar sites are internationally recognized wetland areas of importance for their ecological significance. This designation reflects the global importance of the sanctuary's wetland ecosystem.

Karikili Bird Sanctuary Area

The Karikili Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 61.21 hectares, which is equivalent to approximately 151.3 acres. This sanctuary provides crucial habitat for a variety of bird species, both resident and migratory, making it an important site for avian biodiversity conservation.

Karikili Bird Sanctuary Lake

The Karikili Bird Sanctuary comprises two rain-fed non-perennial irrigation tanks, which can be considered as small lakes or ponds within the sanctuary. These tanks are a key feature of the sanctuary and provide essential habitat for a variety of bird species, both resident and migratory.

These lakes or tanks are essential for supporting the diverse avian population in the sanctuary and contribute to the ecological balance of the area. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts visit the sanctuary to observe and appreciate the birdlife associated with these water bodies.

Karikili Bird Sanctuary Flora

The flora of the Karikili Bird Sanctuary includes a mix of vegetation types typical of wetland and scrubland ecosystems. Here are some of the notable plant species and types found in the sanctuary:

Barringtonia acutangula: This is a common tree species found in the sanctuary. It is often associated with wetland habitats and produces distinctive white or pinkish flowers.

Acacia nilotica: Another tree species in the sanctuary, Acacia nilotica, is commonly known as the "babul" tree. It is adapted to arid and semi-arid regions and is known for its thorny branches.

Scrub Vegetation: The surrounding vegetation in the sanctuary includes various scrub plants and thorny shrubs, which are characteristic of drier and open areas.

Wetland Plants: Given the presence of water bodies in the form of rain-fed tanks, there may also be aquatic and semi-aquatic plant species within the sanctuary. These plants provide food and habitat for waterbirds and other wildlife.

Karikili Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Karikili Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The Karikili Bird Sanctuary is known for its diverse avian fauna, but it also supports various other wildlife species. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the Karikili Bird Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Jungle Cat
• Bonnet Macaque
• Jackal

Birds:

• Night Heron
• Spoonbill
• Open-billed Stork
• Garganey
• Shoveller
• Pintail
• Cormorants
• Egrets
• Grey Heron
• Darter
• White lbis
• Grebes
• Grey Pelican
• Stilts
• Sandpipers
• Coots
• Moorhen
• Terns

Reptiles:

• Snakes
• Lizards
• Tortoise

Karikili Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Karikili Bird Sanctuary Ramsar Sites?

A. Karikili Bird Sanctuary is located in the Chengalpattu District of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The sanctuary is situated around 10 kilometers from Vedanthangal.

Q. What is the Karikili Bird Sanctuary famous for?

A. The Karikili Bird Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:

(i) Bird Diversity: One of the primary reasons for its fame is its rich avian biodiversity. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of bird species, both resident and migratory. It serves as a critical habitat for waterbirds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists.

(ii) Migratory Birds: Karikili Bird Sanctuary is known for hosting numerous migratory bird species during the appropriate seasons. Migratory birds such as Northern Pintail, Garganey, Common Sandpiper, and others visit the sanctuary, making it an excellent place for bird enthusiasts to observe these seasonal visitors.

(iii) Important Bird Area (IBA): The sanctuary, along with the neighboring Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, has been identified as one of Tamil Nadu's Important Bird Areas. Vedanthangal serves as a breeding site for many waterbirds, while Karikili is a foraging site. This recognition underscores the sanctuary's significance in bird conservation.

(iv) Ramsar Site: If it has been designated as a Ramsar site, it has gained international recognition for its ecological importance. Ramsar sites are known for their critical wetland ecosystems and are protected to maintain their ecological integrity.

(v) Ecotourism: Karikili Bird Sanctuary attracts ecotourists and birdwatchers who visit to observe and appreciate the diverse birdlife and natural beauty of the area. The sanctuary provides an opportunity for people to connect with nature and learn about avian conservation.