207 wetlands: Outside protected areas in Tamil Nadu have potential to be declared as bird sanctuaries

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu is continuing its efforts to protect the wetlands, which play a pivotal role as habitats for diverse avian species besides offering unique hydrological and ecological characteristics. The State-run Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation has conducted a detailed assessment and identified 207 wetlands across the State, which are located outside the protected areas, and have potential to be declared as bird sanctuaries. A project report titled “Assessment and identification of potential wetlands as bird sanctuaries and conservation strategies for them in Tamil Nadu” was presented during the recently held annual conference at AIWC. Government officials said the project compliments the ambitious Tamil Nadu Wetland Mission, which was launched by Chief Minister MK Stalin with a mandate to notify at least 100 wetlands. According to the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project report, Tamil Nadu has about 8,312 wetlands covering an area of 4.63 lakh hectares.