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India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Enjoy Best Saltwater Lakes Near Coimbatore For Amazing Birdwatching Experience
Coimbatore exists in the foothills of Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu where it maintains recognition for industrial success along with beautiful natural landscapes and vibrant biodiversity. Various saltwater lakes located near Coimbatore provide essential dwelling places for migratory as well as native birds. The lakes provide exceptional locations for birdwatchers to conduct observations of scarce and remarkable bird species in their natural environment. The following inquiry investigates seven major saltwater lakes situated near Coimbatore which establish perfect birdwatching platforms. 1. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary The Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary ranks as one of the major wetlands of Tamil Nadu positioned about 100 kilometers from Coimbatore. The 450-hectares of freshwater-to-brackish lake draws many bird species to its expanse. BirdLife International has declared this site as an Important Bird Area. Throughout the winter many species of birds from flamingos to pelicans to herons choose to stop at this sanctuary. Several native bird species such as the Indian moorhen, purple swamphen and cormorants live at this location. Birdwatchers from both professional and amateur levels find a perfect paradise within the sanctuary because of its varied ecosystems. 2. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Located at 160 kilometers distance from Coimbatore yet earning global acclaim for being one of India's oldest bird sanctuaries is Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. The brackish waterbody at Vedanthangal established in 1798 draws thousands of migratory birds each year who are seen with species such as pintails and garganeys and grey herons. Waterfowl use the shallow waters as their perfect breeding environment. The visitors who come to observe birds at Vedanthangal can delight in pleasing aerial events and the colorful appearance of migratory flocks. 3. Oussudu Lake The Puducherry district contains Oussudu Lake which lies about 180 kilometers southeast of Coimbatore as an essential sanctuary for migrating birds. The 350 hectares of brackish lagoon environment hosts a population of spot-billed ducks and northern shovelers as well as black-winged stilts. The saline mix of freshwater and saltwater environments enables Oussudu Lake to become a habitat that hosts plenty of bird species. The Ramsar Convention has added the site to its prestigious list because of its vital ecological role. 4. Calimere Wildlife The Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary exists about 200 kilometers due south of Coimbatore near the town of Nagapattinam. The sanctuary keeps natural fame from its mangrove forests and sea inhabitants yet presents vast coastal wetlands and saline areas which draw diverse bird species. During winter months numerous migratory birds such as greater flamingos, Eurasian spoonbills, painted storks gather at this location. Bird enthusiasts should include this wildlife sanctuary as a necessary stop due to its exceptional position near the Bay of Bengal. 5. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary Discovering abundant bird species in Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary remains one of the many bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu located about 150 kilometers east of Coimbatore. Waterbirds from different species find their home in this brackish water body which reaches only 48 hectares in size. The sanctuary draws attention for its main population of painted storks and Asian openbill. Located within a restricted area Chitrangudi provides visitors plenty of opportunities to experience nature up close. 6. Samanar Hills Salt Pans In the vicinity of Coimbatore numerous small salt pans have emerged from natural mineral deposits at Samanar Hills. The unofficial bird sanctuaries at these pans provide both habitat and temporary homes for local bird species and some migrating species. Watching waders including sandpipers and plovers and raptors including kestrels and harriers is common at this location. Birdwatchers who want a solitary experience during their activities will find satisfaction at this challenging destination spread across rough land that features minimal human presence. 7. Periyanaickenpalayam Lake Positioned within easy traveling distance from Coimbatore city's boundaries lies Periyanaickenpalayam Lake which serves as an unknown yet birds-watching friendly habitat. Seasonal variations in this mainly freshwater lake bring about minor saltwater increases that trigger the appearance of uncommon bird species needing brackish water environments. Several people who visited this location have seen both kingfishers and bee-eaters together with occasional osprey sightings. People who want to enjoy nature can easily reach this lake through its convenient location. Conclusion Visitors can experience the blend of natural beauty, calm and diverse wild species found at the saltwater lakes that surround Coimbatore for exceptional birdwatching. Both experienced ornithologists together with casual nature enthusiasts can look forward to riveting birdwatching moments in these venues. Your visit allows you to increase knowledge about the importance of protecting these vulnerable ecosystems. Make preparations for your gear and visit these incredible wetlands to witness incredible bird species in their natural habitat.
India Today
25-04-2025
- Science
- India Today
No one loves a vulture: Conservationists are trying to change the notion
Conservationists in Africa are trying to save the endangered vultures, which are neglected because of their image. They are usually associated with death, and are among the least loved animals in the are the scavengers of the ecosystem. They help in saving ecosystem worth $1.8 billion a year in some parts of Southern Africa, according to the report released by BirdLife International are not up there on the pretty scale. And they are not popular. But we know they are very useful,' Fadzai Matsvimbo, an extinction prevention coordinator at BirdLife International told the Associated Press. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, six of the 11 vulture species found on the African continent are listed as endangered or critically endangered. And even some species have declined by 90%.The research focused on Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe and revealed the role of vultures in cleaning up the ecosystems, reducing the chance of disease spreading and the presence of pests like rats and feral dogs, which has great benefits for communities. Vultures are the scavengers of the ecosystem. (Photo: Getty) advertisementThe anatomy of vultures – the strong acidic stomach - prevents them from contracting food poisoning from any in India over the last 30 years, there has been a drastic loss of vultures. Half a million people died from the spread of bacteria and infections in the absence of vultures last said vultures in Africa are also used as 'sentinels' by game rangers because they are often the first to spot a dead animal and can lead rangers to where poachers might be active. They have even proven useful in helping farmers locate dead or injured of vultures can die from a single poisoned carcass, as they feed on carrion – dead animals. Collisions with power lines in Africa are also one of the reasons for their death, apart from belief-based reasons.'Our work is to change the mindsets of people,' Wolter said. 'For them to see vultures and think, wow, that is amazing.'The researchers also mentioned the role played by moviemakers in depicting vultures. 'I love watching 'The Lion King,' but every time they do the vulture part, my heart breaks,' said Matsvimbo.'Vultures are never portrayed positively. I have a bone to chew with these moviemakers. Or should that be bone to pick?'Rather than stigmatising vultures, understanding their role in nature conservation can benefit all living organisms, including humans, Watch
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Photos show the Heard and McDonald Islands, the remote territory full of penguins and seals Trump hit with a 10% tariff
President Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff on the Heard and McDonald Islands. A remote Australian territory, the islands do not have any permanent human residents. They do, however, have millions of penguins, seals, and other Antarctic wildlife. When President Donald Trump announced sweeping "reciprocal tariffs" on countries across the globe, one place included among major trade partners like China and the European Union raised eyebrows. The Heard and McDonald Islands, a remote Australian territory located between Madagascar and Antarctica, was hit with a 10% tariff despite not having any permanent human residents. "It just shows and exemplifies the fact that nowhere on Earth is safe from this," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said of Trump's tariffs on the country's territories, the BBC reported. The tariffs brought new attention to the small islands that, while uninhabited by people, do feature millions of penguins, seals, and other species of Antarctic wildlife. Take a closer look at the Heard and McDonald Islands. President Donald Trump's announcement of what he called "reciprocal tariffs" included a 10% tariff on the Heard and McDonald Islands. On April 2, in what he called "Liberation Day," Trump signed an executive order establishing a 10% baseline tariff on all countries. China was initially hit with a reciprocal tariff of 34%, and the European Union's tariff was set at 20%. The announcement sent the stock market crashing on April 3 in the worst single-day loss since 2020 as investors panicked about the possible economic impact. Located 2,500 miles off the coast of Australia between Madagascar and Antarctica, the islands have no permanent human residents. The Heard and McDonald Islands aren't an independent country — they're Australian territories spanning about 37,000 hectares, or about the size of Detroit. However, they are inhabited by penguins, seals, and other species of Antarctic wildlife. The Heard and McDonald Islands feature one of the world's largest macaroni penguin colonies. Out of a global population of around 6.3 million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, around 1 million are located on the Heard and McDonald Islands, according to a 2013 estimate by BirdLife International. Other species of penguins on the islands include king, gentoo, chinstrap, and rockhopper penguins. UNESCO's World Heritage List calls the islands "one of the most biologically pristine areas in the world." According to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, only a few species of penguins and other marine birds and mammals live on the Heard and McDonald Islands, but they number in the millions. With no introduced species present, the islands are particularly useful to researchers since their low species diversity allows scientists to study the ecosystem more precisely. Heard Island is also home to an active volcano known as Big Ben. The Heard and McDonald Islands are the only volcanically active sub-Antarctic islands on Earth. Their highest peak, Big Ben, stands at 9,006 feet. Researchers and explorers have visited the Heard and McDonald Islands to study and photograph the remote setting. The Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition established a scientific research station on Heard Island in 1947, which remained operational until 1955. A 1982 expedition visited the ruins of the former research station and used it as their base camp, according to a 1982 issue of Australian Women's Weekly. Researchers continue to study glacial and geological activity on the undeveloped islands to monitor the effects of climate change and learn more about the planet's tectonic plates. How the tariffs will impact the islands' future trade with the US remains to be seen. The White House previously told Business Insider that the reciprocal tariffs do still apply to the unpopulated islands because they're Australian territories. World Bank data shows that the US imported $1.4 million worth of machinery and electrical goods from the Heard and McDonald Islands in 2022. In response to a previous request for comment, representatives for the Australian Antarctic Division, which manages the Heard and McDonald Islands, directed BI to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which did not respond. Read the original article on Business Insider
South China Morning Post
12-04-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Vultures are among the least loved animals. African conservationists are trying to change that
Vultures have an image crisis. Seen as ugly and associated with death, they are among the least loved animals in the world. But conservationists in Africa are trying to change that. Advertisement They have launched an effort to save endangered vultures by trying to put a dollar figure on their incredible value. A recent report by the BirdLife International conservation organisation has estimated that vultures are worth US$1.8 billion a year to certain ecosystems in southern Africa, which might surprise anyone not familiar with the clean-up, pest control and anti-poaching work performed by one of the most efficient scavengers on the planet. 'They are not up there on the pretty scale. And they are not popular. But we know they are very useful,' said Fadzai Matsvimbo, an extinction prevention coordinator at BirdLife International. A white-headed vulture at the Johannesburg zoo in South Africa. Vultures can help clean up ecosystems and reduce the chance of disease spreading, among other benefits. Photo: AFP The report comes at an important time for Africa's vultures; six of the 11 species found on the continent are listed as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which says vultures are highly threatened in many parts of the world. In Africa, some species have declined by nearly 90 per cent, according to Matsvimbo. Advertisement Conservationists hope the report will make authorities and the public more aware of the positive impact of vultures.
The Guardian
09-04-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Birdwatch: The wader with a muddy name whose numbers are in steep decline
When the tide is out on my Somerset coastal patch, there's so much mud it looks as if you could walk all the way across the bay to Wales. That seemed apt when I came across a flock of black-tailed godwits, whose scientific name, Limosa limosa, literally means 'muddy muddy'. The name seems inappropriate for such an elegant bird, although their long legs do allow them to feed in the muddiest places. Our second-largest wader after the curlew, they sport a long, straight bill and chestnut-red breeding plumage, fading to grey-brown in winter. In flight, they reveal a striking black-and-white wing pattern, marking them out from the mottled brown wings of their smaller relative, the bar-tailed godwit. Here in Somerset, we mostly see black-tailed godwits as they pass through in spring and autumn, on the coast and inland. They don't travel as far as their globetrotting relatives, overwintering mainly in Ireland and France, and breeding farther north and east. Our birds are mainly of the Icelandic race – a deeper, more reddish shade than their continental cousins. Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion Like all the world's godwits and curlews, black-tailed godwit numbers are in steep decline, because of habitat loss and intensive farming. BirdLife International now classifies the species as 'near threatened' – so the small UK breeding population, mainly in East Anglia, needs all the help it can get.
