Tamirabharani Waterbird Count to Survey 60 Waterbodies Across Three Districts from January 23

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The 16th edition of the Tamirabharani Waterbird Count (TWC) will be conducted from January 23 to 25 across nearly 60 waterbodies in Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Thoothukudi districts. The annual survey aims to assess the number of waterbirds—both resident and migratory—using irrigation tanks and ponds in the region, along with the environmental conditions that support them and the challenges they face during their stay.

The survey will also highlight the current condition of these waterbodies and the threats they face due to human activities.

Several waterbird species, including the Black-headed Ibis, Asian Openbill Stork, Cormorant, Grey Heron and Spot-billed Pelican, are currently nesting at Vagaikulam in Tenkasi district and at the Gangaikondan Tank in Tirunelveli district. Meanwhile, Vellur Lake in Thoothukudi district has witnessed the arrival of thousands of Eurasian wigeons migrating from Northern Europe. Experts attribute this increase in bird activity to the good rainfall received during the northeast monsoon between the last week of October and mid-December.

“Why do these birds choose waterbodies in our region? How do they enrich these ecosystems? What role do migratory birds play in maintaining ecological balance, and what challenges do they face today?” said M. Mathivanan, Coordinator of the Tamirabharani Waterbird Count. “To explore these questions, we invite nature enthusiasts and citizens to take part in the 16th TWC from January 23 to 25.”

The three-day survey is being jointly organised by the Agasthyamalai Community Conservation Centre, Manimuthar; the District Science Centre, Tirunelveli; the Nellai Nature Club, Tirunelveli; the Pearlcity Nature Society, Thoothukudi; and the Tamil Nadu Science Forum, Tenkasi.

The Tamirabharani river and its tributaries, originating in the Pothigai Hills of the Western Ghats, sustain Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Thoothukudi districts, often referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl of Southern Tamil Nadu’. The region supports rich biodiversity across forests, wetlands and agricultural landscapes. Its irrigation tanks serve as critical habitats for waterbirds, hosting nearly 100 species, including more than 30 migratory species from different parts of the world.

Last year’s waterbird count revealed serious threats to birds, particularly from discarded fishnets left in waterbodies by inland fishermen and others. Birds often get entangled in these nets while foraging, leading to injuries and death. Although the survey recommended regulating or restricting fishing activities in tanks and ponds, conservationists say the suggestions have not yet received adequate attention from authorities.

The Tamirabharani Waterbird Count has been conducted annually since 2011 by the Agasthyamalai Community Conservation Centre, with the active involvement of local voluntary organisations and members of the public, to promote the conservation of waterbirds and their habitats.

This year’s count will begin on January 23 with training sessions for volunteers. The sessions will be held at the District Science Centre, Tirunelveli, at 2.30 p.m.; Pope’s College, Sawyerpuram in Thoothukudi district, at 2.30 p.m.; and J.P. Arts and Science College, Aayikudi, Tenkasi district, at 11 a.m. The actual bird census will start early on January 24 across approximately 60 irrigation tanks in the three districts.

Those interested in participating must register online at https://forms.gle/2x4au4AubrJGZN8R7on
on or before January 22, 5 p.m. Participants must be 18 years or older. For further details, aspirants may contact Adithya (8838052750) for Tirunelveli, Sandhanamari (9342957004) for Thoothukudi, or Thalavaipandi (8667846069) for Tenkasi districts, Mr. Mathivanan said.