Context

Panamaram heronry is set to get a fresh lease of life, thanks to the intervention of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) and the Panamaram grama panchayat.

What is Panamaram heronry?

• It is the largest breeding ground of different species of herons in the Malabar region.
• The heronry, formed on a sandbank on the Panamaram river, is a breeding ground for nine species of waterbirds.
• The heronry, situated on a small islet on the Kabani river, is a breeding ground for many globally threatened water bird species
• It is a haven for globally threatened waterfowls, including the black headed-ibis, purple heron, large egret, median egret, little egret, pond heron, night heron, and little cormorant.
• The site is also the only location in State where the cattle egret breeds.