| Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
 Spot-billed pelican taking off | |
  Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (India) Show map of India | |
 Interactive map of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary | |
| Location | Mandya,Karnataka, India |
| Coordinates | 12°24′N76°39′E / 12.400°N 76.650°E /12.400; 76.650 |
| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Established | 1940 |
| Visitors | 304,000 (in 2016–17) |
| Governing body | Ministry of Environment and Forests,Government of India |
| Official name | Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary |
| Designated | 15 February 2022 |
| Reference no. | 2473[1] |
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (also known asPakshi Kashi of Karnataka),[2] is a bird sanctuary in theMandya District ofKarnataka, in India. It is the largest bird sanctuary in the state,[3]40 acres (16 ha) in area,[4] and comprises six islets on the banks of theKaveri river.[5] The sanctuary has been designated on 15 February 2022 as a protectedRamsar site since 2022.[1]
Ranganathittu is located 3 km (1.9 mi) from the historic town ofSrirangapattana, and 16 km (9.9 mi) north ofMysore.[6] The sanctuary attracted about 3lakh visitors during 2016–17.[7]
Ranganathittu's islets were formed when an embankment across theKaveri river was built between 1645 and 1648 by the thenking of Mysore,Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar.[8] These islets, originally numbering 25, soon started attracting birds. TheornithologistSalim Ali observed that the islets formed an important nesting ground for a large variety of birds, and persuaded the king of Mysore to declare the area a protected area in 1940.[6] The sanctuary is currently maintained by the Forest Department of Karnataka and efforts are ongoing to improve the sanctuary, including purchasing nearby private land to expand the protected area.[4] In 2014, around 28 square km around the sanctuary was declared as aneco-sensitive zone, meaning that certain commercial activities cannot take place without the government's permission.[9]
The sanctuary with its islets experience heavy flooding during certain rainy seasons when water is released fromKrishna Raja Sagara dam upstream, due to heavy rains. During heavy flooding, boating is suspended and tourists are allowed to watch the nesting birds from a distance.[8] Frequent flooding has also damaged some portions of three islands over the past few decades.[10]
Most of the park is within ariparian area.
Riverine reed beds cover the banks of the islands, while the islands themselves are covered inbroadleaf forests, with dominant species beingTerminalia arjuna (Arjun tree),bamboo groves, andPandanus trees.Eucalyptus andacacia trees have also been planted, which might lead to long-term eradication of native species. Theendemic and threatened lilyIphigenia mysorensis of the familyColchicaceae also grows in the sanctuary.
Roughly 170 bird species[11] have been recorded. Of these, thepainted stork,Asian openbill stork,common spoonbill,woolly-necked stork,black-headed ibis,lesser whistling duck,Indian shag,stork-billed kingfisher,egret,cormorant,Oriental darter,spot-billed pelican andheron breed at Ranganathittu regularly. Thegreat stone plover, andriver tern also nest there, while the park is also home to a large flock ofstreak-throated swallows.[6] Ranganathittu is a popular nesting site and about 8,000 nestlings were sighted during June 2011.[12] About 50 pelicans have made Ranganathittu their permanent home.[10]
During winter months, starting from mid-December, as many as 40,000 birds congregate at Ranganathittu, some migrating fromSiberia,Latin America and parts ofnorth India.[13] During January and February, more than 30 species of migratory birds can be found in the sanctuary.[14]
The islands are host to numerous small mammals includingbonnet macaque,smooth coated otter, colonies offlying fox and common small mammals such ascommon palm civet andIndian gray mongoose. Additionally, there is a population ofmonitor lizards. Themugger crocodile or marsh crocodile is a common inhabitant of the riverine reed beds and Ranganathittu has largest fresh water crocodile population in Karnataka state.[15]
Ranger-guided boat tours of the isles are available throughout the day, and are a good way to watch birds, crocodiles, otters, and bats. There is no lodging within the sanctuary, so visitors typically stay over atMysuru or Srirangapatna. The seasons for visiting the park are June–November (during the nesting season of the water birds). The best time to watch migratory birds is usually December but it can vary year to year.
The Salim Ali Interpretation Centre, maintained by Forest Department, screens a 4- minute documentary to special interest groups.[10]
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