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Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi

Context

The Tamil Nadu government has launched multiple biodiversity and conservation initiatives, including the establishment of the Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi on World Environment Day 2025. These efforts aim to protect migratory bird habitats, promote ecotourism, restore native ecosystems, and enhance environmental standards across the state.

Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi

Established by Tamil Nadu government, coinciding with World Environment Day 2025.
Area: 7 hectares.
Part of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.
Includes diverse ecosystems: mangroves, mudflats, supporting marine life and nesting birds.
Aims to protect migratory bird habitats and enhance regional biodiversity.

Ecological Importance of Dhanushkodi

Located on the Central Asian Flyway, a major migratory bird route between Eurasia and the Indian subcontinent.
Recent bird surveys: over 10,700 wetland birds, representing 128 species.
Key species: Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, herons, sandpipers.
Mangroves serve as:
- Natural coastal erosion barriers.
- Breeding grounds for wildlife.

Government Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation

Issued a Government Order (GO) underscoring the sanctuary’s ecological value.
Launched the Raptors Research Foundation to protect birds of prey like eagles and vultures.
The foundation’s role:
- Conservation measures.
- Community awareness and education.

Promotion of Ecotourism and Employment

Sanctuary to foster responsible ecotourism.
Ecotourism benefits:
- Generates local employment.
- Raises public awareness on wetland and bird conservation.
Objective: To balance ecological preservation with community development.

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

Taxonomy and Conservation Status

Scientific Name: Phoenicopterus roseus
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
CITES Status: Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with survival)
State Bird: Gujarat

Habitat and Geographic Distribution

Global Range:
- Africa (including the Great Rift Valley Lakes)
- Southern Europe (Spain, France, Italy)
- Southwestern and South Asia (including India, Pakistan, Iran)
Preferred Habitat:
- Saltwater lagoons, estuaries, saline and alkaline lakes, coastal mudflats, and mangrove wetlands.

Presence in India

Found along the coastal belts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Important Flamingo Sites in India:
Rann of Kutch and Bhavnagar (Gujarat)
Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (Maharashtra)
Pulicat Lake (Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh border)
Point Calimere (Tamil Nadu)
Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, including Dhanushkodi

Migration and Breeding

Migratory Behavior:
- Seasonal migrants within Asia; move from Gujarat to Mumbai and Tamil Nadu coasts during winter (November to May).
- Migration driven by food availability, water level changes, and intra-species competition.
Breeding Colonies:
- Rann of Kutch is a major breeding ground in India.

Biological and Ecological Characteristics

Social Behavior: Highly social; live and migrate in large flocks.
Monogamous Pairs: Pair-bonded for life; cooperative parenting.
Coloration: Pink coloration due to dietary intake of carotenoids (from brine shrimp and algae).

Ecological Indicator:

Presence indicates a healthy wetland and saline ecosystem.
Sensitive to pollution, habitat degradation, and hydrological changes.

Feeding Habits

Diet: Omnivorous
- Animal Sources: Brine shrimp, molluscs, crustaceans, insects, crabs, worms, small fishes.
- Plant Sources: Algae, grass, decaying organic matter, shoots.
Feeding Mechanism: Filter feeders; use specialized beaks and tongue movements to trap food particles.

Conservation Concerns

Threats:
- Habitat loss due to urbanization, industrial projects near wetlands.
- Pollution and eutrophication of water bodies.
- Disturbance from unregulated tourism and reclamation activities.
Protection Measures in India:
- Establishment of Greater Flamingo Sanctuary (2025) at Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu.
- Flamingo Festivals (e.g., Pulicat Flamingo Festival) to raise awareness.
- Designation of Flamingo habitats as protected areas, Ramsar Sites, and inclusion in Biosphere Reserves.

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