In News:

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu has witnessed the arrival of thousands of migratory birds, marking the beginning of the annual nesting and breeding season. More than 20 migratory bird species have already arrived, leading to increased ecological activity and tourist interest.

Location and Background

• Location: Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu
• Distance from Chennai: ~90 km south
• Type: Freshwater wetland and heronry
• Status: One of the oldest protected bird sanctuaries in India

Vedanthangal is a people-protected wetland, with a conservation history spanning centuries. Local communities traditionally protected nesting birds as the manure-rich water (Liquid Guano Effect) from the lake enhanced agricultural productivity in surrounding fields.

Ecological and International Importance

• Recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA)
• Lies in the Coromandel Coast biotic province
• Designated as a Ramsar Site in 2022, highlighting its global wetland importance

Avifaunal Diversity (Fauna)

The sanctuary currently hosts over 15,000 birds during peak season.

Early arrivals and breeding species:

• Open-billed stork (already completed breeding with visible chicks)
• Painted stork
• Black-headed ibis
• Eurasian spoonbill
• White ibis

Other prominent species:

• Grey heron, pond heron, night heron
• Little cormorant, darter
• Pelicans, egrets
• Lesser whistling duck, spot-billed duck
• Red-wattled lapwing, little grebe, common moorhen

Vegetation (Flora)

• Barringtonia trees – preferred nesting trees
• Alangium salviflorum
• Acacia nilotica
• Thorn forests and dry evergreen scrub

Forest authorities plan desilting operations and fresh plantation of barringtonia trees during summer when the tank dries, to support long-term nesting habitats.