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Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary

Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary

(Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary- 36 Kms from Thanjavur)

Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary is a 128.10-hectare area located in Vaduvoor lake, Mannargudi Taluk, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India. The sanctuary is about 25 kilometers from Thanjavur and 14 kilometers from Mannargudi on the Thanjavur-Kodiakkarai State Highway 63 (SH-63). It was created in the year 1999. The irrigation tank receives water from November to April every year which attracts numerous foreign birds from Europe and America. The sanctuary attracts more than 40 species of water birds like the White Ibis, Painted stork, Grey Pelican, Pintails, Cormorants, Teals, Herons, Spoonbills, Darters, Coots, Openbill Storks, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, etc. The Sanctuary is a favorite spot for the migratory birds and during the months of November and December, more than 20000 winged visitors reach this area. The sanctuary has basic facilities for tourists to stay overnight and enjoy watching the birds from the two watchtowers.

Bird migration is a seasonal phenomenon and when the temperature escalates in Europe and in North America, the birds start seeing a location that will be suitable for survival. The wetlands in this region are quite suitable for the migratory birds as it provides a suitable environment for food, shelter, and reproduction. The farmers of this region also love the arrival of migratory birds as the irrigation water becomes fertile once it was enriched with the excretory of the birds. The state government had appointed officers for the prevention of both hunting and poaching. Poaching and hunting are illegal and it is punishable offenses. The villagers were aware of this and a friendly environment for the shelter of the birds prevails. The small town is good agricultural land and rice is grown in plenty.

Key biodiversity

AVIFAUNA: The Sanctuary is well known for several species, notably the Spotbilled Pelican Pelecanus philippensis. Several thousand migratory birds congregate in Vaduvoor during the winter. Detailed studies on the avifauna of this IBA are required. Presently, it can be considered as Data Deficient.

OTHER KEY FAUNA: Few published records are available on the fish, reptile and amphibian fauna of this lake. Some of fish recorded are Ambassis urotaeniaChanna punctatus, Ophiocephalus sp. and Mystus tenegra.

Connectivity

Airways :

The nearest International Airport from Vaduvoor is Tiruchirapalli International Airport, Tamil Nadu, roughly two hours drive from Vaduvoor (85 Km).

Railways :

The nearest railway station is Thanjavur Junction railway station and Mannargudi railway station.

Road Ways :

Buses are available 24×7 from both Thanjavur and Mannargudi.

Route Map