CHENNAI: The hen calendar for Vedanthangal Birds Sanctuary should be dynamic, naturalists advised. When birds depart early, the sanctuary can be closed early and if birds lengthen their stay, it should be kept open until they depart, naturalists stated. The suggestion comes within the wake of officials saying the closure of the sanctuary for visitors from Monday, despite the presence of nearly five,000 birds.
KVRK Thirunaranan, an activist, stated that according to the selection of birds discovered within the sanctuary, it is normally thrown open to the public in September/October and is shut in April/May. However, birds don't seem to be disturbed by visitors as folks don't seem to be allowed to move close to trees the place birds have constructed nests. The sanctuary has been closed most likely in apprehension of vandals, Thirunaranan stated.
A senior flora and fauna officer stated when the sanctuary isn't officially declared closed, visitors pay and move around the tank. But they kick up a fuss when they in finding no birds there. To avoid such issues, the sanctuary has been declared closed, he stated.
In 2015-16, Kancheepuram district won just right rains leading to early filling up of the Vedanthangal tank. About 30,000 birds descended upon the sanctuary that season. By the tip of the season, nearly 1 lakh birds with younger ones were recorded, the authentic stated.
In comparison, 2016-17 recorded less rain so the tank's water level was relatively low. The sanctuary was opened to visitors in September that year and at the time about 21,000 birds were recorded. At the tip of the season, nearly 75,000 birds with the younger ones were recorded, he added.
When the sanctuary was opened to visitors in October last year for the 2017-18 season, there were nearly 40,000 birds.
Usually, painted storks are the last to arrive at the sanctuary for roosting and breeding and would come most effective in small numbers. But, this season recorded a lot of painted storks, which can be also the last ones to leave the sanctuary, the authentic stated.
Officials also recorded the arrival of three uncommon species - comb duck, fulvous whistling duck and black bittern - at the sanctuary this year.
KVRK Thirunaranan, an activist, stated that according to the selection of birds discovered within the sanctuary, it is normally thrown open to the public in September/October and is shut in April/May. However, birds don't seem to be disturbed by visitors as folks don't seem to be allowed to move close to trees the place birds have constructed nests. The sanctuary has been closed most likely in apprehension of vandals, Thirunaranan stated.
A senior flora and fauna officer stated when the sanctuary isn't officially declared closed, visitors pay and move around the tank. But they kick up a fuss when they in finding no birds there. To avoid such issues, the sanctuary has been declared closed, he stated.
In 2015-16, Kancheepuram district won just right rains leading to early filling up of the Vedanthangal tank. About 30,000 birds descended upon the sanctuary that season. By the tip of the season, nearly 1 lakh birds with younger ones were recorded, the authentic stated.
In comparison, 2016-17 recorded less rain so the tank's water level was relatively low. The sanctuary was opened to visitors in September that year and at the time about 21,000 birds were recorded. At the tip of the season, nearly 75,000 birds with the younger ones were recorded, he added.
When the sanctuary was opened to visitors in October last year for the 2017-18 season, there were nearly 40,000 birds.
Usually, painted storks are the last to arrive at the sanctuary for roosting and breeding and would come most effective in small numbers. But, this season recorded a lot of painted storks, which can be also the last ones to leave the sanctuary, the authentic stated.
Officials also recorded the arrival of three uncommon species - comb duck, fulvous whistling duck and black bittern - at the sanctuary this year.
Vedanthangal season over but 5,000 birds stay put
![Vedanthangal season over but 5,000 birds stay put]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
June 10, 2018
Rating:
