The State government has declared the water spread area in Therthangal tank, situated about 15 km from here on Nainarkoil Road, as a bird sanctuary as it attracts a large number of migratory birds every year.
A Government Order to this effect was passed by the State Ministry of Environment and Forest on 15.12.10.
According to the GO, which was signed by Secretary V. Irai Anbu, the Therthangal bird sanctuary on 29.30 hectares (about 70 acres) is blessed with a large number of babul trees (thorn mimosa), ideal habitat for nestling and breeding of birds including migratory, “prosophis juliflora”, tamarind, neem, banyan, every green scrub, and thorn forests.
It is the 14th bird sanctuary of the State and fourth in Ramanathapuram district. The long list of sanctuaries include Chithirangudi, Melaselvanoor-Keelaselvanoor, Kanjirankudi in Ramanathapuram district, Point Calimere in Nagapattinam district, Vedanthangal in Kancheepuram district, Vettangudi in Sivaganga district, Pulicate in Thiruvallur district, Koothankulam in Tirunelveli district.
Dr. Sekhar Kumar Niraj, Conservator of Forests, Virudhunagar range, told The Hindu that Therthangal bird sanctuary was a paradise for migratory birds. It had rich flora and fauna suitable for birds' life. It would facilitate the forest officials to carry out infrastructural facilities for undisturbed breeding and nestling of birds. A detailed plan of action would be prepared to create new facilities.
M. Sundarakumar, Wildlife Warden, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, said that a number of tourist and ornithologist- friendly facilities would be created. The sanctuary had thousands of birds coming from various countries, some of which could be easily identified. They included Spot-billed Pelicans, Cormorants, Darter, Grebes, Large Egret, Little Egrets, Moorhen, Night Herons, Paddy Bird, Painted Stork, Pintails, Pond Heron, Sandpiper, Shovellers, Terns and White Ibis.
