Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary UPSC
The Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is a significant bird sanctuary located in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India. This sanctuary is renowned for its diverse avian population and is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
It is the largest reserve for breeding resident and migratory water birds in South India.
The Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is not only a vital bird habitat but also serves as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) forming part of the Central Asian Flyway.
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Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary Location
The Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is located in the Nanguneri Taluk of the Tirunelveli district in the state of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is situated approximately 38 kilometers away from Tirunelveli town.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is the Tuticorin Airport, also known as Thoothukudi Airport. It is located at a distance of approximately 50 kilometers from the sanctuary.
Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is Tirunelveli Junction Railway Station. Tirunelveli is the closest major town to the sanctuary, and the railway station is well-connected to various parts of India through the Indian Railways network. From Tirunelveli Junction Railway Station, you can make further travel arrangements to reach the sanctuary, which is approximately 38 kilometers away from Tirunelveli town.
Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary History
The history of Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is rooted in its transformation from a traditional irrigation tank system to a protected area for avian conservation. Here is an overview of its history:
1. Historical Irrigation Tanks: Koonthankulam and Kadangulam, the two main tanks that make up the sanctuary, were originally constructed as part of an irrigation system several centuries ago. These tanks were primarily used for agricultural purposes, providing water for paddy cultivation in the region.
2. Transition into a Bird Sanctuary: The transition of these irrigation tanks into a bird sanctuary began with the recognition of their ecological importance due to the significant birdlife they attracted. Over time, birdwatchers and ornithologists noticed the diversity of both resident and migratory bird species that frequented these wetlands.
3. Formal Declaration as a Bird Sanctuary: Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary was officially declared as a protected area in 1994. This formal recognition provided legal protection to the sanctuary and its avian inhabitants.
4. Social and Cultural Importance: The wetland holds cultural and social significance for the local community. Villagers play a significant role in preserving and maintaining the sanctuary, and they benefit from the resource in various ways, including using guano and silt as fertilizers for their fields.
5. Ramsar Site: Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary was designated as a Ramsar site in 2021. This designation signifies its international recognition as a wetland of global importance for biodiversity and conservation. Ramsar sites play a crucial role in the protection and sustainable use of wetland ecosystems.
Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary Area
The Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 1.2933 km2 (0.4993 sq mi).
Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary River
The Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, India, primarily relies on seasonal monsoon rainfall and interconnected irrigation tanks and canals for its water supply. It does not have a specific river flowing through it.
The sanctuary's wetland ecosystem is maintained through this network of tanks and canals, which are fed by rivers originating from the Western Ghats mountain range and receive water during the monsoon season. These tanks and canals help create a suitable habitat for both resident and migratory bird species that visit the sanctuary.
Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary Flora
The Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is primarily a wetland ecosystem consisting of seasonal freshwater tanks, marshy areas, and canals. This diverse habitat supports a variety of flora that plays a crucial role in providing food and shelter for the resident and migratory bird species that visit the sanctuary.
Some of the key flora found in and around the Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary include:
- Cyperus arenarius
- Ipomoea pes-caprae
- Lannaea sarmentosa
- Polycarpaea corymbosa
- Sesuvium portulacastrum
- Spinifex littoreus
- Tribulus terrestris
Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary Animals)
The Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is known for its rich avian diversity, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. However, it also supports various other wildlife species in addition to its numerous bird residents.
Here's a list of some of the notable fauna found in and around the Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Lion-tailed Macaque
- Grey Langur
- Giant Squirrel
Birds:
What birds are in the Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary?
- Spot-billed Pelican
- Painted Stork
- White Ibis
- Indian Pond Heron
- Eurasian Wigeon
- Oriental Darter
- Northern Pintail
- Painted Stork
- Black-headed Ibis
- Grey Heron
- Great Egret
- Little Egret
Reptiles:
- Spectacled Cobra
- Rat Snake
- Common Krait
Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is located in which state?/Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary district?
A. The Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, specifically in the Nanguneri Taluk within the Tirunelveli district. This sanctuary is well-known for its diverse avian population, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Q. Is Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary a Ramsar site?
A. Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary has been designated as a Ramsar site since 2021. This recognition highlights its international importance as a wetland ecosystem and underscores its significance for biodiversity and conservation efforts. Ramsar sites play a crucial role in the protection and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide.
Q. What is Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary famous for?
A. Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is famous for its rich avian diversity, making it a renowned destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Specifically, it is known for the following:
(i) Migratory Birds: The sanctuary is famous for hosting a large number of migratory birds, especially during the winter months. It serves as a vital wintering ground for various bird species that travel from different parts of the world, including countries in Europe and Asia.
(ii) Waterbirds: Koonthankulam is known for its diverse population of waterbirds, including ducks, waders, herons, storks, and pelicans. Birdwatchers and researchers visit the sanctuary to observe and study these avian species.
(iii) Breeding Ground: It is the largest reserve for breeding resident and migratory waterbirds in South India. Many bird species come here to breed, making it an important breeding ground for these birds.
(iv) Ramsar Site: Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary received Ramsar site status in 2021, further emphasizing its global significance as a wetland of international importance for conservation.
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