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 which locates near the famous pilgrim center Rameswaram belongs Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu. It is adjacent to the Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary in the district.
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.
The sanctuary encloses a vegetation which is classified as tropical dry deciduous type. 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 seen growing plantations such as Tamarindus indica, Ficus Spp, Neem (Azadirachta indica), Thespesia Populnea, Albizzia amara, Moringa oleifera and Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer). The plantation of Acacia nilotica was upraised in 1979 by Farm forestry division’. Presently there is no area in the sanctuary without the presence of greenaries while every nook and corner of the sanctuary is occupied by Prosopis. Cascuta creepers are also growing widely in the sanctuary and found to be retarding the growth of Prosopis. Apart from these, the medicinal plants such as Ocimum sanctum, Gloriosa superba are also found growing in the area.
The sanctuary offers ideal habitat for winter migratory birds witch exhibit considerable diversity in nesting as well as feeding behaviors. 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. The wetland is irregular in depth and retains water for 3 to 5 months if rain is received in normal pattern. Breeding population consists of Spot billed Pelican, Open billed stork, Liitle egret, Large egret, Grey hreon, Purple heron, Pond heron .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.
Video on a migratory bird sanctuary
