The sixteenth annual Tamiraparani Waterbird Count will launch this week across three southern Tamil Nadu districts. This important conservation initiative runs from January 23 through January 25 in Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, and Tenkasi districts.
Documenting Wetland Biodiversity
Organizers have conducted this comprehensive waterbird census every year since 2011. The count carefully documents both the diversity and abundance of waterbirds living in irrigation tanks and wetlands. These vital habitats receive water from the perennial Tamiraparani river and its many tributaries.
People often call this region the rice bowl of south Tamil Nadu. It supports a complex mosaic of wetlands that function as critical habitats. These areas provide essential resources for both resident bird species and migratory visitors from distant locations.
Expanding Coverage and Participation
Last year's census covered sixty-eight irrigation tanks across the region. Volunteers recorded an impressive overall bird abundance of 23,753 individuals representing seventy-one different species. This year's count will cover approximately sixty irrigation tanks during January 24 and 25.
"The irrigation tanks in these districts serve as absolutely vital habitats for waterbirds," explained M Mathivanan, coordinator of the Tamiraparani Waterbird Count. "They provide homes for nearly one hundred species. More than thirty of these species migrate here annually from various parts of the world."
Mathivanan emphasized that the region supports exceptionally rich biodiversity across forests, wetlands, and rural landscapes. He noted that local organizations and the general public participate actively every single year.
Current Bird Activity and Nesting Sites
Several important waterbird species have already begun nesting activities in specific locations. The Black-headed Ibis, Asian Openbill Stork, Cormorant, Grey Heron, and Spot-billed Pelican are currently nesting at Vaagaikulam in Tenkasi district. They have also established nesting sites at Gangaikondan tank in Tirunelveli district.
In Vellur Lake within Tuticorin district, observers have documented another remarkable phenomenon. Thousands of Eurasian wigeons have arrived on their annual migration from Northern Europe. These birds add to the region's already impressive avian diversity.
Organizational Support and Volunteer Opportunities
Multiple organizations have come together to organize this year's census. The Agasthyamalai Community Conservation Centre in Manimutharu plays a key role. The District Science Centre in Tirunelveli provides important support alongside the Nellai Nature Club from the same city.
Additional organizing partners include the Pearlcity Nature Society from Thoothukudi and the Tamil Nadu Science Forum based in Tenkasi. This collaborative effort ensures comprehensive coverage across all three districts.
Volunteers above eighteen years of age can still apply to participate in this important conservation work. The application deadline is January 22. Interested individuals should check the Tamiraparani Waterbird Count's official social media platforms for detailed application procedures and participation requirements.
