‘Tis that time of year again when the skies over Madurai come alive with flashes of pink, streaks of white, and splashes of green. The district’s annual bird census, concluded on March 16, recorded more than 21,000 birds across wetland and terrestrial habitats, much higher than last year’s count. “Despite its crucial role in sustaining avian biodiversity, Madurai still does not have an official bird sanctuary,” says an official.
Conservationists say the recognition of Samanatham Tank — which emerged as the top wetland habitat, hosting winter migrants such as flamingos, Eurasian spoonbills, Siberian stonechats, and streaked weavers — as a protected site will increase conservation efforts and promote eco-tourism. The census also recorded common migratory species, including the common sandpiper, marsh sandpiper, barn swallow, northern pintail, rosy starling, and blue-tailed bee-eater. The census is conducted in two phases to track resident and migratory bird populations in the region.
Forest officials say the terrestrial survey on March 15 and 16 recorded more than 5,000 birds from 140 species. Key locations covered included Nagamalai Pudukottai, Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site, Idayapatti sacred groves, Sirumalai South near Sholavandan, and Pasumalai. Among these, Sirumalai South near Sholavandan recorded the highest number of species in the terrestrial category. The wetland survey, conducted on March 8 across 25 major water bodies in the district, recorded more than 16,000 birds. Prominent locations surveyed included Samanatham, Sholavandan, and Kunnathur. Nilaiyur and Samanatham tanks stood out, each recording more than 80 species.
Officials say there is an increase from last year when 12,670 birds were counted across Madurai’s wetlands. In 2024, the Samanatham Tank recorded the highest bird count among wetlands, with 1,713 birds from 80 species. In terrestrial areas, Mettupatti recorded the highest number, with 55 species and a total count of 3,483 birds.
With its growing importance as a haven for birds, particularly migratory species such as flamingos, the Samanatham Tank is now being considered as a site for an official bird sanctuary. “A proposal has been submitted to the public works department, seeking a no objection certificate to designate the tank as a protected sanctuary,” says a forest department official.
N Ravindran, coordinator of the Iragugal Amrutham Nature Trust (ANT), which has been documenting bird activity at Samanatham for the past five years, says the tank hosts more than 80 bird species from 17 orders and 52 families. “Of these, 25% are winter visitors, highlighting its importance in the migratory path,” says Ravindran. As per ANT data, 84 species are commonly found, while 23 are rare.