Kanjirankulam bird sanctuary near Rameswaram belongs to the Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary which situates within the community tank embankments was established in the year 1989. The water holding channel in the region measures approximately 15 meters from the bottom of the embankment. Most notable feature at the sanctuary area is the prominent growth of Babul (Acacia nilotica) trees. The barks of these trees are widely used for the treatment of various gum ailments.
The vegetation in the sanctuary region can be classified generally as that of Tropical Dry Deciduous type. Apart from the widely spread Babul (Acacia nilotica) trees other greeneries seen in the sanctuary are Prosopis Juliflora and grasses such as Cynodon dactylon and Eremopogan faveolatus. Prosopis is seen slowly encroaching large extent of the sanctuary area by creating a growth retardation of Babuls. At the tank bund and the area outside the tank are blessed with the abundant growth of Tamarindus indica, Ficus Spp., Neem, (Azadirachta indica), Thespesia Populnea, Albizzia amara, Moringa oleifera and Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer).
The sanctuary appears to be an ideal habitat for birds migrating during winter. These migratory birds are having considerable diversity in nesting as well as feeding. The area is a preferred nesting site for heron species, a colonial bird migrating to South India. It will be really mesmerizing to view the feathered visitors occupying the sanctuary in flocks from October to February. The wetland area inside the sanctuary is irregular in depth and length, and has the capacity to retain water for 3 to 5 months if the area gets rain in normal style. The bird sanctuary is a house for nearly 170 species of rare birds. Generally, these breeding population consists of Painted stork, White Ibis, Black ibis, little egret and Large egret. Viewing these colorful migratory birds collectively is really a memorable experience to visitors. Due to the existence of bushy jungle and surrounding agricultural fields, the vegetation in the bird sanctuary is not suitable for large or medium sized mammals.
Video on bird sanctuary
