Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary UPSC
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, also known as Kalimara Point Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in Tamil Nadu, South India.
The sanctuary was established with the primary objective of conserving the blackbuck antelope, which is an endemic mammal species of India. It is also recognized internationally under the name "Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary."
Point Calimere is famous for hosting large congregations of migratory waterbirds, especially greater flamingos. It serves as a critical stopover for birds migrating along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
Point Calimere attracts birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists interested in ecotourism. It provides opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and nature exploration.
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Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary Location
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is located in the Nagapattinam district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated at the southeastern tip of Nagapattinam District, where the Palk Strait meets the Bay of Bengal. The sanctuary is specifically located near the town of Vedaranyam.
The sanctuary forms an island-like area surrounded by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Palk Strait to the south, and swampy backwaters and salt pans to the west and north. It is in a coastal region with diverse ecosystems, including tidal mud-flats, coastal plains, sand dunes, and tropical dry evergreen forests.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is Tiruchirapalli International Airport. It is located approximately 175 kilometers (about 108 miles) northwest of the sanctuary. Tiruchirapalli International Airport is well-connected to major cities in India and some international destinations.
Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is Vedaranniyam Railway Station. This railway station is situated in the town of Vedaranyam, which is in proximity to the sanctuary.
However, it's important to note that Vedaranniyam Railway Station may have limited train services, and travelers often prefer to use the larger railway stations in nearby cities like Nagapattinam or Tiruchirapalli for more extensive rail connectivity. From these larger railway stations, you can arrange for local transportation to reach the sanctuary.
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary History
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, also known as Kalimara Point Wildlife Sanctuary, has a rich history associated with its conservation efforts and cultural significance. Here is a summary of its historical background:
1. Early References: Point Calimere, known as "Kodiakkarai" in Tamil, has historical references dating back centuries. The area is mentioned in ancient texts and maps, including references by the ancient Greek geographer Ptolemy, who referred to it as "Calligicum prom."
2. Colonial Era: During the colonial era, the British erected a lighthouse at Kodiakkarai in 1890. This lighthouse, along with the remains of an older Chola lighthouse, is still visible in the sanctuary. The British also established a radar station in the area during World War II.
3. Religious and Cultural Sites: The sanctuary is home to several religious and cultural sites, including the Ramar Padam shrine, which contains the stone footprints of Lord Rama. It is a site of pilgrimage during the Ram Navami Festival. There are also Hindu temples like Kuzhagar Temple, Navakodi Sitthar Aalayam, Sanyasin Muniaswar Kovil, and others within the sanctuary.
4. Establishment: The sanctuary's conservation history began in 1967 when it was officially created for the conservation of the blackbuck antelope, an endemic mammal species of India. Dr. Salim Ali, a renowned ornithologist, identified the Point Calimere region as significant for bird conservation in 1962.
5. Changing Administration: Over the years, the administration of the sanctuary shifted between various government divisions, including the Forest Department and the Wildlife Division. It eventually came under the control of the Nagapattinam Wildlife Division, which was created in 1986.
6. Ramsar Site: Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary holds the distinction of being a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. This recognition, received on August 19, 2002, underscores the sanctuary's crucial role as a wetland habitat for migratory waterbirds and its global significance in terms of biodiversity conservation.
7. Natural Events: In 2004, Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary faced the impact of the Indian Ocean tsunami. While the sanctuary largely escaped serious damage, it affected the surrounding areas, leading to human casualties.
8. Scientific Studies: The Bombay Natural History Society has conducted extensive bird migration studies in the sanctuary since 1959, contributing to the understanding of migratory waterbirds in the region.
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary Area
The Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 21.47 square kilometers (about 8.29 square miles). It is a relatively compact but ecologically diverse sanctuary that is famous for its large congregations of waterbirds and its significance as a habitat for various wildlife species.
The core area of the sanctuary, which is 7 square kilometers (2.7 square miles) in size, has been proposed as a National Park.
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary Flora
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary features a diverse range of flora, adapted to its coastal and wetland ecosystems. Here are some of the key elements of the sanctuary's flora:
(1) Mangroves:
The sanctuary includes areas of mangrove forests. These salt-tolerant trees play a crucial role in stabilizing coastal areas and providing habitat for various species of fish, crustaceans, and birds.
(2) Dry Evergreen Forests:
Some portions of the sanctuary contain tropical dry evergreen forests. Manilkara hexandra, locally known as Palai, is a dominant species in these forests and serves as a food source for fruit-eating birds.
(3) Grasslands:
Coastal plains and grasslands are present in the sanctuary. These areas provide grazing habitat for herbivores like blackbuck and other wildlife species.
(4) Wetland Plants:
The wetland areas within the sanctuary support a variety of wetland plant species. These include submerged aquatic plants and emergent plants that thrive in the mudflats and shallow seasonal ponds.
(5) Invasive Species:
One challenge faced by the sanctuary is the spread of the invasive Prosopis juliflora. Efforts have been made to address this invasive species, which can negatively impact native vegetation.
(6) Medicinal Plants:
The sanctuary is home to numerous plant species with medicinal properties. About 198 of the identified plant species in the sanctuary have medicinal value.
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary Animals)
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is renowned for its rich and diverse fauna, with a particular emphasis on birdlife. Here are some of the notable fauna species found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Blackbuck
- Spotted Deer
- Wild Boar
- Golden Jackal
- Bonnet Macaque
- Jungle Cat
- Small Indian Civet
- Indian Palm Civet
Birds:
- Spoonbill Sandpiper
- Greater and Lesser Flamingos
- Peafowl
- Spot-billed Pelican (Grey Pelican)
- Northern Shoveler
- Lesser Sandplover
- Black-tailed Godwit
- Greater Flamingo
- Brown Headed Gulls
- Curlew
Reptiles:
- Olive Ridley Turtle
- Indian Chameleon
- Common Indian Monitor
- Indian Rat Snake
- Saw-scaled Viper
- Russell’s Viper
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which state Points Calimere Bird Sanctuary is located?/Point Calimere Sanctuary is situated in which district?
A. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. This sanctuary is situated at the southeastern tip of Nagapattinam District, where the Palk Strait meets the Bay of Bengal.
Q. Which river is Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary at?
A. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is not located on a river. It is situated along the southeastern coast of India, near the Bay of Bengal and the Palk Strait. The sanctuary's landscape primarily consists of coastal plains, tidal mudflats, backwaters, and wetlands, but it does not have a significant river within its boundaries.
Q. What is the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?/What is the significance of Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary?
A. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Migratory Birds: It is renowned for hosting large congregations of migratory waterbirds, especially during the winter months. The sanctuary serves as a crucial stopover and wintering ground for thousands of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, sandpipers, and storks, which migrate from as far as Siberia and Europe.
(ii) Greater Flamingos: The sanctuary is particularly famous for its population of greater flamingos. These tall, pink birds are a spectacular sight against the backdrop of the coastal wetlands.
(iii) Blackbuck Conservation: Point Calimere is significant for the conservation of the blackbuck antelope, an endemic mammal species of India. It is home to a healthy population of blackbucks, and efforts have been made to protect and conserve this species within the sanctuary.
(iv) Ramsar Site: The sanctuary is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, highlighting its critical role in the conservation of wetland habitats and waterbirds.
(v) Biodiversity: It is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, including various flora, fauna, and ecosystems, ranging from mangroves to dry evergreen forests. The sanctuary's diverse habitats support a wide range of wildlife.
(vi) Birdwatching and Eco-Tourism: Point Calimere is a popular destination for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and eco-tourists who visit to witness the diverse birdlife and wildlife. It provides opportunities for wildlife photography and nature exploration.
(vii) Cultural and Historical Sites: The sanctuary also houses several sites of cultural and historical significance, such as temples and shrines, adding to its appeal as a holistic destination.
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