
TIRUNELVELI: The Agasthyamalai Community Conservation Centre, which conducted the 15th edition of Thamirabarani Waterbird Count (TWC) involving 200 volunteers in 68 irrigation tanks, recorded a total of 23,753 birds belonging to 71 species. Several migratory duck species, including the Northern Pintail, Bar-headed Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, and Northern Shoveler, were also documented.
Recognising the importance of monitoring the waterbird population as indicators of wetland health, the centre in collaboration with local institutions has been conducting the waterbird count since 2011.
"This citizen-led initiative takes place annually in the last week of January, coinciding with the peak migration season for birds. The 15th edition of TWC was conducted from January 24 to 26, 2025, across the irrigation tanks of Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Thoothukudi districts. The census was jointly organised by the centre, Nellai Nature Club, Pearl City Nature Society, Eco Jesuits, and Tamil Nadu Science Forum.
Over 200 volunteers were divided into nine teams and surveyed 68 irrigation tanks, recording a total of 23,753 birds belonging to 71 species. The most abundant species recorded were the Cattle Egret (3,495 individuals), Little Cormorant (2,150), migratory Barn Swallow (1,511), Glossy Ibis (1,185), and migratory Whiskered Tern (967). Several migratory duck species, including Northern Pintail, Bar-headed Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, and Northern Shoveler, were also documented," said M Mathivanan, Coordinator of TWC, in a statement on Saturday.
"Among the surveyed tanks, Kadambakulam in Thoothukudi district recorded the highest number of birds (3,724 individuals from 37 species), followed by Perur (1,505 birds, 30 species) and Vellur (1,300 birds, 38 species), also in Thoothukudi district. The Gangaikondan tank in Tirunelveli district recorded 1,246 birds from 42 species. Breeding colonies of Black-headed Ibis, Cormorants, Grey Herons, and Darters were observed in Gangaikondan (Tirunelveli), Arunthavapatti, and Melapavoor tanks (Tenkasi). Spot-billed ducks with chicks were recorded in Veinthankulam, Tirunelveli," he said.
Mathivanan further stated that a significant concern arose at Vagaikulam tank in the Tenkasi district, which historically supported breeding colonies of Black-headed Ibis, Cormorants, Night Herons, and Grey Herons. "This year, no breeding activity was recorded, raising concerns about habitat conditions. Additionally, volunteers reported threats to bird populations, including garbage dumping in several tanks and entanglement in fishing nets. A particularly distressing sight was a Pelican found with its beak tied up in a plastic bag, and multiple Cormorants were found trapped and killed by fishing nets placed in the tanks during the daytime," he added.
He asserted that there is an urgent need for conservation measures to protect these vital wetlands from pollution and unregulated fishing practices. "Strict guidelines must be established for sustainable fish harvesting, and efforts should be made to prevent waste dumping in these habitats," he added.