| Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
 View of Mangalavanam | |
  | |
| Location | Kochi, Kerala, India |
| Coordinates | 9°59′20″N 76°16′22″E / 9.98886°N 76.27282°E |
| Area | 0.0274 square kilometres (0.0106 sq mi) |
| Established | 2004 |
Mangalavanam is an ecologically sensitive area situated at the centre of the Indian city of Kochi, covering about 2.74 hectares.[1] It also houses a shallow tidal lake connected with Kochi backwaters by a canal. It is situated behind the Kerala High Court building. It is a nesting ground for a large variety of migratory birds and supports many types of mangroves. The Managalavanam is often regarded as the "green lung of Kochi",[2] considering its role in keeping the city's air pollution under check. The area is a roosting place for many kinds of resident and migratory birds.[3]
Recently the high-rise buildings surrounding the area are curtailing the movement of birds in the sanctuary. The buildings close to the sanctuary interrupt proper orientation, take-off and landings of the birds. They also cause hurdles in the regular movements of the nesting birds in transporting nesting materials. It is also likely to hinder the movement of birds while bringing food materials to the chicks and fledglings.[4] The administrative control of the sanctuary is with the Assistant Conservator of Forest and Wildlife Warden Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary of Nature Study Centre Kalady and then to the Range Officer Research Range Kodanad.
- ^ "Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary". Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
- ^ "Green Lung of Kochi". cochin.org. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
- ^ "Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary". Kochi Servnet. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
- ^ "Archive News". The Hindu. 26 July 2006. Archived from the original on 29 August 2006. Retrieved 1 December 2016.