Vellode Bird Sanctuary UPSC
Vellode Bird Sanctuary is a prominent bird sanctuary located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
The sanctuary is known for its diverse avian population. Visitors can spot a wide variety of bird species here, including waterfowl, waders, and migratory birds that visit during the winter months.
The best time to visit Vellode Bird Sanctuary for birdwatching is typically during the winter months, from November to March, when migratory birds arrive at the sanctuary. However, the sanctuary can be visited year-round for its natural beauty.
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Vellode Bird Sanctuary Location
Vellode Bird Sanctuary is located in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated near the town of Vellode, approximately 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) from the city of Erode.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Vellode Bird Sanctuary is Coimbatore International Airport, which is approximately 90 kilometers (about 56 miles) away from the sanctuary. Coimbatore Airport is the closest major airport and provides domestic and limited international flight services.
Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Vellode Bird Sanctuary is Erode Junction Railway Station, which is about 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles) away from the sanctuary. Erode Junction is a well-connected railway station in the region and serves as a transportation hub for those traveling by train to this area.
Vellode Bird Sanctuary History
Vellode Bird Sanctuary has a history that primarily revolves around its transformation from a human-made tank into a significant bird sanctuary.
1. Origins as a Tank: Vellode Bird Sanctuary is situated around Periyakulam Lake, which was originally created as a water reservoir or tank to serve agricultural purposes in the region. Such tanks were common in many parts of India for irrigation and water storage.
2. Evolution into a Bird Sanctuary: Over time, the area around Periyakulam Lake started to attract a diverse range of bird species due to its abundant food resources from neighboring agricultural fields and other aquatic organisms. The presence of water and favorable habitat conditions made it an ideal spot for birds.
3. Conservation Recognition: As the sanctuary gained prominence for its avian population, it received recognition as a bird sanctuary in 1997. This recognition helped in conservation efforts and raising awareness about the importance of protecting the area and its birds.
4. Ramsar Designation: One of the significant milestones in the history of Vellode Bird Sanctuary is its designation as a Ramsar site in 2022. Ramsar sites are internationally recognized wetlands of importance, and this designation signifies the global significance of the sanctuary for bird conservation and the protection of its wetland ecosystem.
Vellode Bird Sanctuary Area
Vellode Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 0.77 square kilometers (about 0.30 square miles).
The sanctuary encompasses an area around Periyakulam Lake and its surrounding marshy areas, making it an ideal habitat for a diverse range of bird species, both resident and migratory.
Vellode Bird Sanctuary Lake
Vellode Bird Sanctuary is centered around Periyakulam Lake, which is a man-made water reservoir. This lake serves as the focal point of the sanctuary and provides the essential aquatic habitat for various bird species. Periyakulam Lake is surrounded by semi-dark bushes and marshy areas, creating an ideal environment for both resident and migratory birds.
The lake's water and the vegetation around it offer food resources and nesting sites for birds, making it a significant attraction for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The sanctuary's designation as a Ramsar site highlights the international importance of this lake and its surrounding habitat for bird conservation and the preservation of wetland ecosystems.
Vellode Bird Sanctuary Flora
Vellode Bird Sanctuary is not only a haven for bird species but also boasts a variety of flora that contributes to the overall ecosystem of the sanctuary. These plant species contribute to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the sanctuary, providing habitat and sustenance for various bird species and other wildlife.
Here's a brief description of some of the plants:
Aponogeton nutans: Aponogeton nutans is an aquatic plant known for its attractive submerged leaves and small, white or greenish flowers. It typically grows in freshwater environments and can be found in wetlands and ponds.
Ceratophyllum demersum: Also known as hornwort, Ceratophyllum demersum is a submerged aquatic plant that provides cover and oxygen for aquatic organisms. It has fine, feathery leaves and is commonly found in freshwater bodies.
Eicchorina crassipes: Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as water hyacinth, is a floating aquatic plant with lavender-blue flowers. While it can be visually appealing, water hyacinth is considered invasive in some regions because it can spread rapidly and disrupt natural ecosystems.
Hydrilla verticillata: Hydrilla verticillata is another submerged aquatic plant. It is known for its rapid growth and can form dense underwater mats. It is often considered an invasive species and can have ecological impacts in some areas.
Bacopa monnieri: Bacopa monnieri, also known as water hyssop or Brahmi, is a herbaceous plant that grows in wet and marshy areas. It has small white or lavender flowers and is used in traditional medicine.
Typha angustata: Typha angustata is a species of cattail, known for its tall, slender leaves and distinctive brown seed heads. Cattails are often found in wetlands and provide habitat and food for various wildlife.
Eclipta prostrata: Eclipta prostrata, commonly called false daisy or bhringraj, is a small herb with white or yellow flowers. It is often used in traditional medicine for its potential medicinal properties.
Hygrophila angustifolia: Hygrophila angustifolia is an aquatic plant with slender leaves and purple or blue flowers. It is commonly found in freshwater environments.
Vellode Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Vellode Bird Sanctuary Animals)
Vellode Bird Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse avian population, but it also hosts a variety of other wildlife species, including both animals and reptiles. Here's a list of some of the fauna that can be found in and around Vellode Bird Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Lion-tailed Macaque
- Langur
- Giant Squirrel
Birds:
What birds are in the Vellode Bird Sanctuary?
- Bar-headed Goose
- Black-tailed Godwit
- Barn Swallow
- Woolly-necked Stork
- Eurasian Spoonbill
- Greater Spotted Eagle
- Blue-tailed Bee-eater
- Little Stint
- Spot-billed Pelican
- Purple Swamphen
- Yellow Wagtail
- Indian River Tern
- Oriental Darter
- Painted Stork
Reptiles:
- Spectacled Cobra
- Rat Snake
- Common Krait
Vellode Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Vellode Bird Sanctuary?
A. Vellode Bird Sanctuary is located in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated near the town of Vellode, approximately 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) from the city of Erode. This sanctuary encompasses an area around Periyakulam Lake and its surrounding marshy areas, making it an ideal habitat for various bird species, both resident and migratory.
Q. What is the significance of Vellode Bird Sanctuary?
A. Vellode Bird Sanctuary holds significant ecological and conservation importance due to several reasons:
(1) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of bird species, both resident and migratory, making it a crucial area for avian biodiversity. The presence of thousands of birds, including some rare and endangered species, highlights its ecological significance.
(2) Ramsar Site Designation: Vellode Bird Sanctuary has been designated as a Ramsar site since 2022. Ramsar sites are internationally recognized wetlands of importance for their biodiversity, and this designation underscores the global significance of the sanctuary for bird conservation and wetland protection.
(3) Conservation of Migratory Birds: The sanctuary plays a vital role in providing a stopover and breeding ground for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway. It is essential for the conservation of these species during their long-distance migrations.
(4) Ecosystem Services: The sanctuary provides essential ecosystem services, such as improving water quality and supporting local agriculture. The bird droppings enrich the irrigation water and enhance crop yields for farmers in nearby villages.
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