Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary UPSC

The Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary is located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a notable wetland bird sanctuary near Puducherry. This sanctuary is known for its diverse avian population, including both resident and migratory birds.

Oussud Bird Sanctuary has been recognized as one of the important wetlands of Asia. It is a man-made wetland and home to a diversity of avifauna, plants and aquatic life.

Birdwatching and boating are popular activities for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty and observe the diverse birdlife in this serene sanctuary.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Lake
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary Location

The Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary is located in Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is approximately 10 kilometers from Puducherry town.

It is situated near the Oussudu Lake (also known as Ousteri Lake), which is the primary feature of the sanctuary. This sanctuary is easily accessible from Puducherry and is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airports to the Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary are located at Puducherry and Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station:

The closest railway stations to the sanctuary are Puducherry, which is approximately 13 kilometers away, and Villupuram, which is approximately 35 kilometers away.

Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary History

Establishment: On August 11, 2014, the Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary was formally established and legally recognized by the appropriate authorities. This notification is typically an official government declaration or order that designates a specific area as a protected sanctuary for the conservation of its natural resources and wildlife.

Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary Area

The Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 3.32 square kilometers (or 332 hectares). This area is designated as a protected sanctuary for the conservation of its wetland ecosystems, avifauna, and other natural resources.

Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary Lake

The Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary is primarily centered around Oussudu Lake, also known as Ousteri Lake. This lake is a key feature of the sanctuary and serves as a crucial habitat for various bird species and aquatic life.

It is a man-made wetland and an essential part of the sanctuary's ecosystem. The lake, surrounded by marshes and mudflats, provides a suitable environment for both resident and migratory birds, making it a significant attraction for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary Flora

The Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora that contribute to its ecosystem. Some of the plant species found in and around the sanctuary include:

Acacia auriculiformis
Azadirachta indica (Neem)
Bombax ceiba (Red Silk Cotton Tree)
Borassus flabellifer (Palmyra Palm)
Ceiba pentandra (Kapok Tree)
Dalbergia paniculata
Ficus benghalensis (Banyan)
Ficus religiosa (Peepal)
Gmelina arborea
Abutilon hirtum
A. indicum
Barleria cristata
Calotropis gigantea (Giant Milkweed)
Cassia auriculata
Ficus hispida
Flueggea leucopyrus
Jatropha gossypifolia
J. tanjorensis
Lantana camara
Cissus trifoliata
C. vitiginea
Chloris barbata
Chrysopogon asper

Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary is known for its diverse fauna, including both wildlife and bird species. Here are some of the fauna species that can be found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

Spotted Deer
Jackal
Jungle Cat
Grey Mongoose
Black-naped Hare
Asian Palm Civet
Short-nosed Fruit Bat
Indian Pangolin

Birds:

Great White Pelican
Greater Flamingo
Lesser Flamingo
Crested Serpent Eagle
White-bellied Sea Eagle
Osprey
Bronze-winged Jacana
Greyheaded Lapwing
Dunlin
Ruff
Chestnut-winged Cuckoo
Crested Tree Swift
Black-capped Kingfisher
Stork-billed Kingfisher
Black-rumped Flameback
Rufous-winged Bushlark
Barn Swallow
Bay-backed Shrike
Southern Grey Shrike
Black-headed Oriole
Rosy Starling
Common Iora
Indian Silverbill

Reptiles:

Indian Black Turtle
Brahminy Worm Snake
Indian Rock Python
Common Vine Snake
Indian Wolf Snake
Garden Lizard
Indian Monitor Lizard