Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary

The Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary in Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, is a 128-hectare protected wetland centered on the Vaduvoor Lake, created in 1999. It is renowned for attracting over 40 species of water birds, including migratory birds from Europe and America, with more than 20,000 birds visiting during peak months of November and December.

The sanctuary’s wetland ecosystem, composed of interconnected man-made reservoirs and canals, provides crucial food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a diverse range of birds such as white ibis, painted stork, grey pelican, herons, spoonbills, and more.

The sanctuary plays an important ecological role by supporting rich biodiversity and acting as a buffer against flooding while also benefiting local agriculture through natural fertilization by bird excreta. It has basic tourist facilities with watchtowers for birdwatching and has been declared a Ramsar site and Eco-Sensitive Zone, highlighting its significance for conservation. Conservation efforts are ongoing to manage threats such as urbanization, water abstraction, and invasive species while promoting sustainable tourism and research.