Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary

Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary UPSC

The Melaselvanoor Keelaselvanoor Bird Sanctuary is situated in the Deccan Peninsula biogeographic zone and is characterized by its wetland habitat.

The sanctuary is renowned for its rich birdlife. It serves as a crucial nesting and breeding ground for both migratory and native bird species.

Despite its ecological significance, the sanctuary faces a notable conservation challenge in the form of the invasive species Prosopis juliflora. This non-native tree, introduced to meet local fuel requirements, poses a significant threat to local fauna, flora, and agriculture, directly impacting the bird population.

The Melaselvanoor Keelaselvanoor Bird Sanctuary is not only a vital site for bird conservation but also a unique natural habitat worth protecting for its biodiversity and ecological importance.

Table of Contents Location History Area Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary Location

Melaselvanoor Keelaselvanoor Bird Sanctuary is located in Sayalgudi, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a wetland habitat known for its diverse bird species and other wildlife. 

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Melaselvanoor Keelaselvanoor Bird Sanctuary is Madurai Airport, which is approximately the closest major airport to the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Melaselvanoor Keelaselvanoor Bird Sanctuary is Ramanathapuram Railway Station. This railway station serves as a transportation option for visitors traveling to the sanctuary by train.

Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary History

Establishment: Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary was officially notified on March 10, 1998. This date marks the formal recognition and establishment of the sanctuary for the conservation and protection of its unique wetland habitat and diverse bird and wildlife populations.

Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary Area

The Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 593.08 hectares. This significant land area is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the sanctuary's unique wetland habitat and the diverse bird and wildlife species that inhabit it.

Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary Flora

The Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora, including aquatic and wetland plants that thrive in its unique ecosystem. Here are some of the flora species commonly found in the sanctuary:

• Acacia nilotica
• Prosopis juliflora
• Aponogeton nutans
• Ceratophyllum demersum
• Eicchorina crassipes (water hyacinth)
• Hydrilla verticillata
• Hydrobryum olivaceum
• Polypleurum Spp.
• Willisia selaginoides
• Aeschynomene aspera
• Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi)
• Eclipta prostrata
• Hygrophila angustifolia
• Rotula aquatica
• Typha angustata (narrow-leaved cattail)

Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including bird species and other wildlife. Here is a list of some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Lion-tailed Macaque
• Giant Squirrel
• Short-nosed Fruit Bat

Birds:

• Spot-billed Pelican
• Painted Stork
• Open Billed Storks
• White Ibis
• Egrets

Reptiles:

• Spectacled Cobra
• Rat Snake
• Common Krait

Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary located?

A. The Melselvanur Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary is located in Sayalgudi, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. This sanctuary is situated in the Deccan Peninsula biogeographic zone and covers an area of approximately 593.08 hectares. It is known for its wetland habitat and the diverse bird and wildlife species it supports.