Thamirabarani water bird census to begin on January 2

TIRUNELVELI: The fifth edition of the Thamirabarani water bird census will be held between January 24 and 26. The census will count the number of migratory birds in the Thamirabarani river basin, falling in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts of Tamil Nadu.

The Tamiraparani wetlands support over 90 species of birds. There are several bird habitats like Koonthankulam, Thirupudaimaruthur and Vagaikulam in Tirunelveli district. Tanks in Srivaikundam region of Tuticorin district also attract a large number of birds.

Over 67,000 birds were counted in last year’s census in 53 irrigation tanks.

These birds play a very important role in maintaining the ecosystem, and humans receive enormous benefits from them, says M Mathivanan of the Manimutharu-based Agasthyamalai Community-based Conservation Centre (ACCC).

The ACCC, which is part of the Bengaluru-based Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), is joining hands with Tamil Nadu forest department, Pearl City Nature Society, and Nellai Nature Club (NNC) to conduct the census this year.

People who are interested in joining the programme can contact the centre at 9488063750 or send an email to awc_accc@atree.org before January 21.