koonthankulam bird sanctuary - കൂന്തൻകുളം പക്ഷി സംരക്ഷണ കേന്ദ്രം
Channel: ROOTS MEDIA
Date: 2018-08-09

Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary or Kunthankulam is a  protected area declared as a sanctuary in 1994. It adjoins the tiny village of Koonthankulam in Nanguneri Taluk of Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India. It is just 38 km away from Tirunelveli (a bustling town on the banks of the Tambaraparani River) It is composed of Koonthankulam and Kadankulam irrigation tanks, conveniently linked by tar road. This is the largest reserve for breeding waterbirds in South India. It is an Important Bird Area,  This sanctuary is actively protected and managed by the Koonthankulam village community. The local people take a keen interest in protecting this sanctuary.

Birds coming to villagers' backyards are protected vehemently and regarded as harbingers of luck. The excreta of birds and silt from the tanks is collected by villagers in summer and applied as fertilizer to their fields. All villagers protect the birds, their nests, and fledglings. Fallen chicks are taken care of in the rescue center until they are able to fly on their own. Anyone disturbing the nests is punished by shaving their head, or making a public procession on a donkey.[citation needed] The Indian festival Diwali is not celebrated here because the sound of crackers would drive away the winged visitors.

An interpretation center, watchtower, children's park and dormitory are open for public use throughout the year.