Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary houses large variety of migratory birds covering about 2.74 hectares is an ecologically sensitive area situated at Kochi.
The Managalavanam is often regarded as the green lung of Kochi. Thousands of trees of Mangalavanam help to protect against the pollution which is pumped into the surrounding atmosphere on a daily basis by industries and vehicles. It is surrounded by the backwater and the sea. Known for its small bird sanctuary, this mangrove forest is situated in the heart of the Town, on the Dr. Salim Ali Road behind the High court.
The Sanctuary is home to many resident and migratory birds. It has a shallow tidal lake in the centre bordered by thick mangrove vegetation. The lake in the centre is connected with Cochin backwaters by a canal. This bird sanctuary is bordered by Bharath Petroleum Company on northern and eastern side of the area, Southern side by Emakulam Railway goods station, West side by Salim Ali Road 16 and Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.
Mangalavanam is famous for its mangrove vegetation and colonies of nesting migratory birds. Some of the most common birds which are seen in the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary include the Little Cormorant, egrets and Black-Crowned Night Herons. As per the survey conducted, forty-one species of birds representing 25 families were recorded in Mangalavanam bird Sanctuary. Large numbers of Migratory birds come in flocks during May –June and we can see their nesting and hatched eggs.
The sanctuary is densely forested with exotic species of plants like eucalyptus, teak, timber etc.
Whom to Contact
Asst. Conservator of Forests, Nature Study Centre, Kalady, Malayattoor PO, Ernakulam Dist.
Ph: 91 484 2468680
E-mail: wildlifewarden@mangalavanam.com