Population Characteristics of Migratory Shorebirds in the Point Calimere
Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract :

Wetlands are threatened by human activities that often endanger the integrity of this unique ecosystem. As a result, avifauna that exploits these wetlands has severely been affected. Sitheri in Tamil Nadu, India is one such wetland that supports significant numbers of water birds in the recent years. An attempt was made to comprehensively document the avifauna that utilizes the lake for various ecological purposes from September 2010 to February 2012. In total, 87 species of birds were found to utilize this lake, largely during September to April every year. Apart from the regular common migrants to Tamil Nadu, the lake also harbours near threatened bird species viz. Darter- Anhinga melanogaster, Painted Stork- Mycteria leucocephala and Oriental White Ibis- Threskiornis melanocephalus. Vegetation in and around the lake consisted of Acacia nilotica, Prosopis chilensis, Azadirachta indica and Tamarindus indicus, which provides nesting and roosting opportunities for the water birds. Paddy fields around the lake serve as an additional foraging ground for the migratory and resident birds. Extensive awareness programme targeting the local public on the significance of the migratory birds is one of the main conservation actions needed for this site.