700+ spot-billed pelicans flock to Thoothukudi tank as water levels fall

More than 700 spot-billed pelicans have flocked to Perungulam tank near Srivaikuntam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district, turning the waterbody into a striking wildlife spectacle.

The tank, which spans around 900 hectares, is one of the few waterbodies in the area still holding water amid months of intense heat and drought. It is the terminal tank of the Keezhakkalvai, which branches from the Marudhur Anicut on the Thamirabarani River.

Along with the pelicans, several native bird species have gathered at Perungulam, including painted storks, Asian openbill storks, black-headed ibises, Eurasian spoonbills, grey herons and Oriental darters.

The spot-billed pelicans have arrived in particularly large numbers and can be seen swimming together and diving into the water to catch fish with their large bills.

But the spectacle may not last long. With the heat continuing, water levels in Perungulam are steadily falling, and the tank could dry up completely within a week.

Social activists have urged authorities to release water from the Maruthur Anicut area into Perungulam before the tank runs dry, saying the birds could otherwise face difficulty finding food and water.

With PTI inputs