Munderikkadavu to become 4th bird sanctuary

KANNUR: The Munderikkadavu wetland, on the banks of the Munderi river, which is a destination for more than 100 rare species of birds, is all set to host a bird sanctuary. This will be the fourth such sanctuary in the state followed by the ones at Kadalundi, Thattekad and Kumarakom.Around one lakh birds including 60 migratory bird species flock to these wetlands every year, according to bird-watchers. Eurasian wigeon, black-headed bunting and red-headed bunting are some of the regular visitors.Also, 12 endangered species of eagles are seen only in these wetlands.  The bird sanctuary project was first proposed by the Munderikadavu grama panchayat.  Taking into consideration the conservation of the rich flora and fauna of the area, a committee was set up by the panchayat to study the bio-diversity wealth.  The report of the study undertaken by a team led by ornithologist Khaleel Chovva was submitted to A P Abdullakutty MLA. K P Gangadharan, Sumesh Master and Abhilash K Prabhakaran were the other members of the committee.  “A proposal based on the study report was drafted by the Chief Conservator of the Forest Department, which apparently received the green signal in the budget,” bird sanctuary project convener P P Babu has said.“An amount of `20 lakh was allotted for the project. The sanctuary will be a dream realised for the local people and ornithologists. This will promote bird-watching and it will bring people closer to nature. We do not plan in bringing about any major infrastructural development in the area as part of the project. Basic facilities such as roads, parking area and bird-watching tower will be built without disturbing the natural habitat of the birds,” said Abdullakutty.“The wetland covering an area of around 1,000 acres attracts bird-watchers from far off places as hundreds of birds flock here during various seasons. Birds from Siberia are also seen here,” he said.