The recently conducted Tamirabharani Water Bird Count in 68 irrigation tanks in Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Thoothukudi districts has spotted 23,753 birds belonging to 71 species.
The districts of Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Thoothukudi house numerous irrigation tanks that serve multiple purposes, including irrigation, drinking water supply to residents and factories and fish culture.
These tanks, fed by the Tamirabharani river and its tributaries, also support a rich diversity of aquatic life, including native fish, amphibians, and over 100 recorded species of water birds, with more than 30 being migratory.
While Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is a well-known habitat, many other irrigation tanks also play a crucial role in bird breeding. However, despite the invaluable ecosystem services, these waterbodies and water birds provide, conservation efforts remain inadequate even though the conservationists have put forward suggestions in various occasions.
Recognising the importance of monitoring these water bird populations as indicators of wetland health, ATREE’s Agasthyamalai Community Conservation Centre, in collaboration with local institutions and individuals, initiated the Tamirabharani Water Bird Count in 2011. This citizen-led initiative takes place annually in the last week of January, coinciding with the peak migration season for birds.
The 15th edition of the Tamirabharani Water Bird Count was conducted from January 24 to 26 last across the irrigation tanks of Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Thoothukudi districts.
The census was jointly organised by ATREE’s Agasthyamalai Community Conservation Centre, Nellai Nature Club, Pearl City Nature Society, Eco Jesuits, and the Tamil Nadu Science Forum.
Over 200 volunteers were divided into nine teams that surveyed 68 irrigation tanks, recording a total of 23,753 birds belonging to 71 species this year.
The most abundant species recorded were the Cattle Egret (3,495), Little Cormorant (2,150), migratory Barn Swallow (1,511), Glossy Ibis (1,185), and migratory Whiskered Tern (967). Several migratory duck species, including the Northern Pintail, Barheaded Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, and Northern Shoveler were also documented.
Among the surveyed tanks, Kadambakulam in Thoothukudi district recorded the highest number of birds (3,724 individuals from 37 species), followed by Paerur (1,505 birds, 30 species) and Vellur (1,300 birds, 38 species), both also in Thoothukudi district.
The Gangaikondan tank in Tirunelveli district recorded 1,246 birds from 42 species. Breeding colonies of black-headed Ibis, Cormorants, Grey Herons, and Darters were observed in Gangaikondan (Tirunelveli), Arunthavapiraattikulam and Melapavoor tanks (Tenkasi). Spot-billed ducks with chicks were recorded in Vaeinthankulam around Tirunelveli new bus-stand.
However, a significant concern arose at Vagaikulam tank in Tenkasi district, which historically supported breeding colonies of black-headed Ibis, Cormorants, Night Herons, and Grey Herons. This year, no breeding activity was recorded, raising concerns about habitat conditions. Additionally, volunteers reported threats to bird populations, including garbage dumping in several tanks and entanglement in fishing nets. A particularly distressing sight was a pelican found with its beak tied by a plastic bag, and multiple cormorants were found trapped and killed by fishing nets placed in the tanks.
“There is an urgent need for conservation measures to protect these vital wetlands from pollution and unregulated fishing practices. Strict guidelines must be established for sustainable fish harvesting, and efforts should be made to prevent waste dumping in these water bodies. As the world prepares to celebrate World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2025, with the theme ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,’ it is a reminder that conservation is not just for the humans but for all living organisms. It is imperative that we take immediate action to preserve these crucial ecosystems, ensuring that all species can coexist and thrive in a shared environment,” said M. Mathivanan, Coordinator, Tamirabharani Water Bird Count.
Published – February 02, 2025 06:15 pm IST