Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, Ramanathapuram
Kanjirankulam
Bird Sanctuary is in Ramanathapuram District in Tamil Nadu. It is a
1.04 km2 (0.40 sq mi) protected area near Mudukulathoor declared as sanctuary in 1989. Geographical Position is 9°20N 78°29E. It is adjacent to Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary. It is notable as a nesting site for several migratory heron species that roost in the prominent growth of babul trees there. International name: Chitrangudi and Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, IBA Code: IN261, Criteria: A1, A4i.
The
bird sanctuary was declared in the year 1989, with an estimated area of 66.66
hectares in Keela Kanjirankulam and 37.55 hectares in Mela Kanjirankulam. The
sanctuary area is within the community tank embankments and its immediate water
holding channel, measuring approximately 15 meters from the bottom of the
embankment. Most notable feature of the sanctuary area is the prominent growth
of Babul (Acacia nilotica) trees.
It
is located 5 km from Mudukulathoor and 25 km from Paramakudi, in a drought
prone area. The floral diversity is very poor and the area seems to be scrub
jungle type. The area has been planted
with Prosopis chilensis and Acacia nilotica in
the villages and around the tanks; the two species were introduced and planted
by the Forest Department on a massive scale to sustain firewood collection. Tamarind Tamarindus
indicus is the only common tree, seen sporadically on the roads and the
tank bunds. Due to the nature of the soil and scanty rainfall, the natural
vegetation is sparse.
Flora
The
sanctuary vegetation can be classified generally as that of Tropical Dry
Deciduous type. It is dominated by Babul (Acacia nilotica) along with Prosopis
juliflora and grasses such as Cynodon dactylon and Eremopogan faveolatus.
Prosopis is slowly encroaching large extent of the sanctuary area and is
retarding the growth of Babuls. The tank bund and the area outside the tank are
having Tamarindus indica, Ficus Spp., Neem, (Azadirachta indica), Thespesia
Populnea, Albizzia amara, Moringa oleifera and Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer).
Fauna
The
sanctuary also offers ideal habitat for several winter migratory birds. Some of
them include Painted stork, White ibis, Black ibis, little egret, Great egret.
These birds can be mainly seen here during the months between October and
February. The Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary has with considerable diversity in
nesting and feeding behaviors. Heronry species, a colonial bird can be seen
here in huge numbers. The sanctuary is visited by almost 170 species of birds.
The wetland here is irregular in depth and holds water for 3 to 5 months when
the rain is normal.
The
bird sanctuaries receive nearly 170 species of birds. Breeding population
consists of Painted stork, White Ibis, Black ibis, little egret, large egret. The
site qualifies as an IBA as the threatened Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus Philippensis
breeds here. A maximum of 100 birds reportedly breed, i.e 2.5% of the species
biogeographical population at the 1% level of 40 birds (Wetlands International
2002). Chitrangudi and Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary are two of the oldest known
pelicanries in the state. Since time immemorial, the locals have protected both
the pelicanries. In January 1988, in Chitrangudi Sanctuary, 934 Pelicans and
100 nests were found (Birdlife International 2001). Johnson et al. (1993) have
seen 700 pelicans in January 1989 and 286 in 1991 in the same tank.
Besides
the Spot-billed Pelican, the Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans,
Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Large Egret Casmerodius albus,
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Purple Heron Ardea purpurea, and Indian
Pond Heron Ardeola grayiiare known to breed in both villages. In Kanjirankulam,
Abraham (1973) found Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala breeding on
the same trees as pelican’s nests were found. During his visit, the nesting
colony was on 60 trees, mainly Ficus religiosa, Thespesia
populnea and Acacia arabica. He also found nesting colonies of
Oriental White Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus and Black
Ibis Pseudibis papillosa, about 1.6 km away from Kanjirankulam.
Due
to the presence of scrub jungle and surrounding agricultural fields, the
vegetation cover does not permit the presence of large or medium sized mammals.
Visitor information
The sanctuary can be reached by road from Mudukulathoor 8 km and Madurai 117
km. The nearest railway is Paramakudi 15
km and the nearest airport is Madurai.
Accommodation
is available at PWD Rest House at Mudukulathoor 7 km, the Forest Rest House at Sayalgudi – 30 km and Paramakudi.
Contact:Wildlife Warden, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Mandapam, Ramanathapuram Dt., Tamil Nadu. Phone: 04567-230079
Best Season
Kanjirankulam
Bird Sanctuary is visited by many tourists and nature lovers. It is also an
ideal picnic spot where the visitors can enjoy their time in the midst of the
chirping noises of the birds. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during
the months from October to February.
Connectivity
The
sanctuary can be reached by road from Mudukulathoor 8 km
and Madurai 117 km. The nearest railway is Paramakudi 15 km and the
nearest airport is Madurai.
