Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, Ramanathapuram

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.