About Therthangal Bird Sanctuary
Therthangal Bird Sanctuary is a protected wetland and irrigation tank located at Therthangal village in Mudukulathur Taluk, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu. Notified as a bird sanctuary in 2010, it covers about 29.3 hectares and attracts resident and migratory waterbirds during the northeast monsoon. The sanctuary is notable for its seasonal congregation of herons, egrets, ibises and other waterbirds nesting in acacia and Prosopis trees within the tank.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small, seasonal irrigation tank surrounded by agricultural fields and scrub, with shallow water and scattered acacia trees used as nesting sites. During season, flocks of waterbirds can be seen roosting, nesting and foraging in and around the tank. The site is open and quiet, with a bund and watch points for observation. Facilities are minimal, and the experience is focused on birdwatching and photography from designated areas around the tank.
Key highlights
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Notified bird sanctuary covering 29.295 hectares of irrigation tank wetland
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Seasonal congregation of migratory and resident waterbirds
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Nesting colonies of herons, egrets, painted storks and ibises on acacia trees
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Important wetland in Ramanathapuram district bird sanctuary network
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Quiet rural setting ideal for birdwatching and photography
History of Therthangal Bird Sanctuary
Therthangal tank is a traditional rain-fed irrigation tank (kanmoi) used for agriculture in Ramanathapuram district. It was declared as Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in 2010 by the Government of Tamil Nadu under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, covering 29.295 hectares, to protect nesting and breeding habitat for resident and migratory waterbirds.
Culture & Context
The tank is part of the traditional water harvesting and irrigation system of Ramanathapuram and supports local agriculture. Seasonal arrival of waterbirds is a well-known natural event for surrounding villages.
Route
| By air |
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