On June 5, 2025, during World Environment Day celebrations in Chennai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the declaration of a 5.3 sq km (524.8 hectares) lagoon in Dhanushkodi as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary.
· This ecologically sensitive wetland, located at the southern tip of Rameswaram Island, is a vital stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world's major migratory bird routes.
Ecological Significance of the Lagoon:
The newly declared sanctuary is rich in biodiversity and plays a crucial role in supporting migratory and resident bird populations.
The latest wetland bird census recorded 10,761 individual birds from 128 different species, reflecting the area’s importance as a roosting and feeding ground.
Marine and Coastal Ecosystems:
Beyond avifauna, the Dhanushkodi lagoon is also a nursery habitat for:
- Fish
- Molluscs
- Crustaceans
These organisms depend on the lagoon’s brackish waters and rich plant life for their early development stages. This, in turn, supports local fisheries that are vital for community livelihoods.
The Dhanushkodi beach, adjacent to the lagoon, is also known as an important nesting site for marine turtles, adding to the ecological value of the area.
Mangrove Forests and Botanical Richness:
The sanctuary’s ecosystem features a unique combination of sand dunes, marshes, and mangrove forests. The area is home to 47 plant species, including critical mangroves like:
- Avicennia
- Rhizophora
These mangroves serve multiple ecological functions:
- Stabilizing the coastline
- Preventing erosion
- Acting as a natural buffer against storm surges
- Providing shelter for marine organisms and birds
Other plant types—including herbs, shrubs, and trees—support a broader web of life, including insects, birds, and small mammals, making the area a vibrant and interconnected ecosystem.
Flamingos in India
India is home to two flamingo species — the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) and the Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor).
· Greater Flamingo is the largest and most widespread species, recognized by its pinkish-white body, black-tipped pink beak, and yellowish eyes. It inhabits both brackish and freshwater wetlands across India, excluding the high Himalayas, East, and Northeast. It is the state bird of Gujarat.
o Conservation Status: IUCN – Least Concern; CITES – Appendix II.
· Lesser Flamingo is the smallest flamingo species, notable for its “hallux” or hind toe. It primarily feeds on blue-green algae and is mostly found in the brackish wetlands of western India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Mumbai.
o Conservation Status: IUCN – Near Threatened; CITES – Appendix II.
Conservation and Community Impact:
Declaring this wetland a sanctuary is not only a biodiversity win but also a step towards formal habitat protection for both migratory and resident birds. The Tamil Nadu government aims to:
- Ensure long-term ecological integrity
- Promote public awareness about wetland conservation
- Encourage responsible tourism
Conclusion:
The declaration of the Dhanushkodi lagoon as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary is a vital step in protecting Tamil Nadu’s fragile wetland ecosystems. It safeguards diverse bird species, supports marine life, and strengthens local livelihoods through conservation-driven tourism and fisheries.
