Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary
A flock of Bar-headed Geese
Release of fingerlings forming food for birds

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

  • Country: 
    India
  • Site number: 
    2491
  • Area: 
    260.5 ha
  • Designation date: 
    08-11-2021
  • Coordinates: 
    09°20'N 78°28'E
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

This Site, locally known as “Chitrangudi Kanmoli”, is located in the village of Chitrangudi, adjacent to Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary in Ramanathapuram district. The wetland has been a protected area since 1989 and is also classed as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). There are 50 bird species found, including four near-threatened species. The Sanctuary is an important breeding ground for wintering birds such as spot-billed pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala), little egret (Egretta garzetta) and grey heron (Ardea cinerea). It is also rich in medicinal plants such as holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) and flame lily (Gloriosa superba), the State flower of Tamil Nadu. Due to its rich biodiversity, the sanctuary is frequently visited by nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Despite being a hotspot for birds, the wetland water occasionally dries as its major sources are rainfall and run-off water. However, this feature also makes the wetland a buffering area during heavy rainfall and a sink for sediments and nutrients during flooding. The regional forest department undertakes regulation activities during the summer season to maintain the water level of the lake.

Administrative region: 
Ramanathapuram

  • National legal designation: 
    • A Draft Notification was released by the Ministry of Environment and Forests & Climate Change MoEFCC in 2018 - Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary
    • Comes under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 - Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary
  • Regional (international) legal designations: 
    • Other international designation
  • Last publication date: 
    31-10-2022

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)

Additional reports and documents