Saturday, November 21, 2015

Melselvanur-Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary, Ramanathapuram

Melselvanur-Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary, Ramanathapuram
Melselvanur – Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary is located near Sayalgudi in Ramanathapuram district. The sanctuary was declared in the year 1998. This is the biggest bird’s sanctuary in Tamil nadu. The total area of the sanctuary is 593.08 ha


This 5.93 km2 (2.29 sq mi) sanctuary in Ramanathapuram District is home to grey pelican and painted stork.
Location
Melselvanur – Keelselvanur Bird Sanctuary is located in Melselvanur, Keelselvanur village tanks at 9o13’ N and 78 o 32’30 E gratitude. It forms part of Melselvanur and Keelselvanur villages of Kadaladi taluk of Ramanathapuram district.
Flora
Majority of its area is now invaded and covered with Prosopis thickets. The Acacia nilotica plantation situated in the area is the nesting site for Migratory birds.


Fauna
Pelicans, Painted Storks, Open billed Storks, White ibis, Spoon bills and Egrets regularly nest in the sanctuary. This sanctuary is considered to be the best heronry site in Ramanathapuram district. The vegetation of the tank is dominated by Prosopis in few locations with babul and on the boundaries with tamarind trees.




Accommodation
The boarding and lodging facilities are available at Sayalgudi (12 Km.), Ramanathapuram (45 Km.) and Paramakudi (52 Km.).
Contact
Wild life warden 
Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve
Mandapam, Ramanathapuram.
Phone: 04567-230079
Connectivity
By Road:
The sanctuary is only approachable by road and is 130 Kms away from Madurai. The nearest towns are Sayalgudi (12 Km.), Kadaladi (15 Km.), Mudukulathoor (27 Km.) & Ramanathapuram (45 Km.).
By Train:
The nearest railway station is Ramanathapuram (45 Km.).
By Air:
The nearest Air port is in Madurai.