Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, Ramanathapuram
Chitrangudi
Bird Sanctuary locally known as "Chitrangudi
Kanmoli" is a .4763 km2 (0.1839 sq mi) Protected area declared
in 1989 and a part of Chitrangudi village,
Mudukulathoor Taluk, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India.
It is adjacent to Kanjirankulam 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 1989, with an estimated area of 47.63 ha. 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.
This
crescent shaped sanctuary in Ramanathapuram Distinct, Tamil Nadu, attracts a
host of migratory birds in winter. In fact, it is one of the natural habitats
and preferred destinations for winter migratory birds.
Chitrangudi
Kanmoli is a great weekend getaway – a charming destination for a visit to
indulge in bird watching or just enjoy the scenic beauty through long
refreshing nature walks!
Chitrangudi
Bird Sanctuary is a bird lover’s paradise! From grey herons, painted storks,
grey pelicans, black ibis and white ibis to open-billed storks, gray pelicans,
dabchick, cattle egret, Indian darters, pond herons and little egrets, you will
have a pleasurable time spotting and identifying the many species of colorful
winged creatures that inhabit or visit the sanctuary. Come armed with your
walking shoes, binoculars and bird-watching books so you can enjoy spotting
them and learning more about these beautiful creatures. Between October and
February is when the graceful winged visitors flock to the sanctuary from
faraway lands.
Another
distinctive sighting here is of Black Crowned Night Herons. These graceful
birds rest in the trees during the day and at night they swoop down to feed on
rats, eggs and the chicks of other birds. These birds are a remarkable
indicator of the health of an ecosystem and they are referred to as ‘Urban
Birds’.
Chitrangudi
Bird Sanctuary is rich in flora too and one of its distinguishing features is
the fairly prominent proliferation of Babul (Acacia nilotica) trees. With its
bright golden-yellow hued flowers, it is a distinctive feature of the sanctuary.
Chitrangudi landscape is predominantly dry deciduous forest with grassy areas.
The wetland area is irregular in terms of its depth, and is usually full to the
brim during the rainy seasons, which could last from 3 to 5 months.
Location
|
Mudukulathoor Taluk of Ramanathapuram District
|
Area
|
47.63ha
|
Forest
type
|
Tropical Dry Deciduous Type. Notable
spp is Acacia nilotica. Every nook and corner is occupied by Prosopis
|
Avifauna
|
Cormorants, Egrets, Ibis, Herons,
Teals, Other ducks, Pelicans, White storks, Painted storks
|
Annual
rainfall
|
715.2 mm
|
Nearest
airport
|
Madurai - 130 Km away.
|
Nearest
Railway station
|
Paramakudi – 16 Km
|
Best
season
|
November to February
|
Accommodation
|
PWD Rest House at Mudukulathoor,
Forest Rest House at Sayalgudi |
History
Chitrangudi
Bird Sanctuary is a fairly recent one having been declared a bird sanctuary in
1989. It covers an estimated area of 47.63 ha.
Geography
The
sanctuary area is within the 15 m (49 ft) high embankments of the
community irrigation tank. The
total length of the embankment is 4.010 km (2.492 mi). The
crescent-shaped Kanmoi starts at a northern point where an aqueduct from
the Gundar River flows
into the Kanmoi. There are five sluices that drain water to the agricultural
lands. The wetland is irregular in depth and retains water for 3 to 5 months if
rain is normal. Excess flood water is let out towards Chitrangudi village
through a sluice gate about .5 km (0.31 mi) from the inlet aqueduct.
Chitrangudi
Bird Sanctuary is otherwise known as “Chitrangudi Kanmoli” and is located at
9o19’N and 78o28’ E. It is a part of Chitrangudi village of Mudukulathoor
taluk, Ramanathapuram district. An aerial view of the sanctuary gives out a
crescent or fish tail shape.
Flora
The
vegetation here is mostly Tropical Dry Deciduous forest. Apart from this there
are other tress like Prosopis juliflora, Bermuda grass and Dichanthium
foveolatum. The first Babul plantation was done by Farm forestry division in
the year 1979. Tamarind trees, Silk trees, Fig trees, Portia trees, Neem trees, Palmyra
palms and Drumstick trees can be seen within the irrigation tank bund and the
area outside the tank. The invasive Prosopis is
slowly encroaching on much of the sanctuary area, retarding growth of babuls.
It
is dominated by Babul (Acacia nilotica) along with Prosopis Juliflora and
grasses such as Cynodon dactylon and Eremopogan faveolatus. 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). The plantation of Acacia nilotica was raised in
1979 by Farm forestry division’.
Presently
there is no area in the sanctuary which is devoid of vegetation, every nook and
corner is occupied by Prosopis. Cascuta creepers are also growing widely in the
sanctuary and many a times retarding the growth of Prosopis. In addition the
medicinal plants such as Ocimum sanctum, Gloriosa superba are also found in the
area.
It
is an important nesting site for the seasonal migratory birds. Heron species of
birds come in abundance and take shelter in the thickly growing Babul trees in
the area. The sanctuary area is enclosed within the 15 m high embankments of
the community irrigation tank.
Fauna
The
sanctuary is one of the preferred nesting sites for heron species and other
colonial birds migrating to South India. The feathered visitors capture the
sanctuary in flocks from October to February. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary is an
ideal habitat for winter migratory birds. Various species of Heron and colonial
birds can be seen here.
The sanctuary provides extensive diversity in nesting.
Other than these there are many other birds found here like Spot billed
Pelican, Little egret, Grey heron, Large egret, Open billed stork, Purple
heron, Pond heron. Tourists and nature lovers mostly visit the sanctuary during
the months from October to February. Tourists visiting the sanctuary can put up
at PWD Rest House at Mudukulathoor, Forest Rest House at Sayalgudi and at
Paramakudi.
The
sanctuary is not only a delightful place for bird lovers and ornithologists but
also a charming destination for bird watching. Visitors can enjoy the
mesmerizing scenic beauty through long refreshing nature walks.
Visitor Information
The
sanctuary is open year round and can be reached by road from Mudukulathoor 4 km and Sayalgudi 12 km, Ramanathapuram 45 km and Madurai 120 km. The nearest railway station is Paramakudi and
the nearest airport is Madurai.
Accommodation
is available at PWD Rest House at Mudukulathoor 10
kilometers (6.2 mi), the Forest Rest House at Sayalgudi and at Paramakudi
Contact
Wild life warden
Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve,
Ramanathapuram.
Phone:04567-230079
Connectivity
The
Chitrangudi bird sanctuary is locally known by the name Chitrangudi Kanmoli.
This is a declared protected area established in the year 1989. The spectacular
bird sanctuary is located near the famous pilgrim center Rameswaram belongs
Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu. It is adjacent to the Kanjirankulam Bird
Sanctuary in the district.
Chitrangudi
Bird Sanctuary is well connected with all modes of transports. It is 120 kms
from Madurai,45 kms from Ramanathapuram and 12 kms from Sayakudi town. The nearest railway station is located at Ramanathapuram that is 45 kms away. The nearest Airport
is at Madurai that is at a distance of 130 kms.
