Tamil Nadu’s Perungulam wetland emerges as Ramsar recognition candidate

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Thoothukudi: The Thoothukudi district administration and Tamil Nadu’s Forest Department have begun efforts to secure Ramsar recognition for Perungulam tank, a biodiversity-rich wetland that provides a vital habitat for numerous resident and migratory bird species.

Spread across 860 acres in Perungulam town panchayat, the tank is fed by the Thamirabarani River. Besides meeting irrigation requirements, the wetland supports a rich diversity of fish and birds. It attracts avian visitors throughout the year, particularly during the summer season.

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A study conducted at the Perungulam wetland between July 2023 and June 2024 recorded 147 bird species belonging to 22 orders and 60 families. Of these, 100 were resident species, accounting for a substantial proportion of the recorded bird population.

Although most of the species are categorised as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, several others fall under threatened categories. Many species recorded at the wetland are also protected under Schedules I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Five species—the Indian Roller, Spot-billed Pelican, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit and Asian Woollyneck—are classified as “Near Threatened”. The Egyptian Vulture is listed as “Endangered”, while the Curlew Sandpiper is categorised as “Vulnerable”.

As many as 14 species found at the wetland are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, which grants the highest level of statutory protection to threatened wildlife. Perungulam also serves as an important stopover for migratory species such as the Little Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Whiskered Tern, Caspian Tern and Slender-billed Gull.

Bird experts said the wetland’s grasslands, open scrub habitats, abundant food resources and suitable nesting and foraging grounds attract a wide range of native and migratory birds. They stressed the need for a comprehensive conservation plan to protect the wetland and its fragile ecosystem.

Forest officials said discussions were underway to propose Perungulam for Ramsar recognition because of its rich biodiversity and diverse avian population.

The department is also considering obtaining a “Blue-Green Centre” tag for the tank to promote awareness about its ecological importance. The proposal will be prepared after incorporating the requirements of the Water Resources Department. It will then be scrutinised by the district wetland committee before being forwarded for further consideration.