Suchindram Theroor Birds Sanctuary, Kanyakumari
The Suchindram
Theroor Birds Sanctuary is a protected area comprising
the Suchindram Kulam wetlands at 8°7’30’’
N 77°27’30’’ E, and the Theroor Kulam
wetlands at 8°10’45’’N 77°27’45’’E,
both near Suchindram town
in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu state, South India.
It is located between Nagercoil and Kanyakumari on
the National Highway No.
47.
Being at the extreme southern tip of India, this area underlies the
southernmost continental range of the Central Asian Flyway.
Constitution of this new wildlife sanctuary was proposed in 2002 and remains
under consideration of the Government. International name is Suchindram
Therur, Vembanoor, Important bird area code
no. IN279, criteria: A1, A4i.
Surrounded
by the constant sound of flapping wings and bird calls, the Suchindram Theroor Bird Sanctuary is
an ornithologist’s paradise. Located just 13 kilometers from Kanyakumari,
the bird sanctuary is a haven for both resident and migratory birds. Egrets,
Pelicans, Terns, Storks, Darters, Geese and many more species of birds have
made this place their home. As your gaze travels over the water, you notice the
pink lotus flowers and the purple water lily peeking out from amongst the heart
shaped leaves that fill the water body. Do not forget to take your camera along
as you enjoy a day watching birds as they flock together.
District of Ponds
About
two thirds of the total area of Kanyakumari District is lowland plains dotted
with 2,058 freshwater wetlands known as Kulam or ponds.
It is referred to as the District of Ponds. In addition to
Suchindram-Theroor, other major freshwater wetlands of this district include Parakkai, Manikaputheri, Thathiar, Vembanoor, Chungankadai, Putheri,
Thazhaikudi and Manavalkurchi.
Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary,
a tiger habitat at the
extreme southern end of the Western Ghats,
is also in this district.
Flora
Suchindram
pond has a large variety of aquatic vegetation including water lilly, lotus, floating hearts, pistia and
other water plants. A few tall trees and other bushes have formed an island at
the centre, which gives refuge and is a resting place for birds.
Fauna
Suchindram
is noted for the wide variety of migratory waterbirds that
winter there, including: near threatened painted stork and spot-billed pelicans.
Also seen here are cattle egrets, great cormorants, darters, purple swamp hen,
and bronze-winged jacanas.
Resident raptors include kingfisher, brahminy and marsh harrier.
Other water birds are dabchick, grey heron, Garganey,
purple heron, cinnamon bittern, open bill stork, cotton pygmy goose, whiskered tern and little tern, black-winged stilt, greenshank, little ringed plover and
the common sandpiper.
Conservation
In
1993, Dr. Robert Grubh, of Institute for Restoration of Natural Environment in
Nagercoil, lead a program for Conservation and Management of Suchindram Kulam
Wetland in Southern India for Promotion of Agriculture, Fishing and Ecotourism,
in cooperation with the Conservation Impact Grants Program of a consortium of
the World Wildlife Fund,
The Nature Conservancy, and
the World Resources Institute and
funded by the United States Agency
for International Development.
Some
local fisher folk and agriculturists were not happy that a project was being
developed to create a bird sanctuary at the Suchindram wetlands. They were
concerned that sanctuary authorities would restrain fishing activities and more
birds would destroy their crops. However, a large number of local people were
engaged in wetlands conservation through the projects use of local television,
field demonstrations, press interviews, and community lectures to stimulate
conservation awareness. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department,
District Collectors, the Public Works Department, village Panchayats and others
have supported the conservation efforts.
Connectivity
By Road:
Suchindram
Theroor Birds Sanctuary is linked with major cities in the state Tamil Nadu or
neighboring states by Road system. Suchindram Theroor Birds Sanctuary is
easily available by Tamil Nadu State buses from Kanyakumari &
Nagercoil.
By Air:
The
nearest airport is Trivandrum.
By Train:
The
nearest station is Thovalai Intersection to Suchindram Theroor Birds Sanctuary.
