CONTEXT

• Location: Dhanushkodi, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu.
• Area: 524.7 hectares (includes both revenue & forest lands in Rameshwaram taluk).
• Ecological Setting: Within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot.

CONCEPT

• Purpose: Conservation of wetland habitat, especially for migratory birds using the Central Asian Flyway.
• Significance:
  • Critical stopover site for thousands of birds.
  • Supports a diverse wetland ecosystem: mangroves, mudflats, sand dunes, and marshes.
• Bird Data:
  • 2023–24 Wetland Bird Survey recorded 10,700+ birds of 128 species.
  • Notables: Greater & Lesser Flamingos, Herons, Egrets, Sandpipers.

CURRENT RELEVANCE

•  Biodiversity:
  • Habitat for migratory birds, sea turtles, and marine life.
  • Dominant mangrove species: Avicennia and Rhizophora – vital for coastal protection and breeding.
• Conservation Goals:
  • Ensure ecological balance and sustainable development.
  • Protect against coastal erosion and habitat degradation.
• Socio-economic Impact:
  • Boosts eco-tourism and generates local employment.
  • Promotes awareness on wetland conservation.
•  Legal Status: Officially notified via Government Order on June 4, 2024.

• The State Government may designate some areas as wildlife sanctuaries under the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972 if they are thought to be of significant ecological, geomorphological, and natural value.