- International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology (2014) Volume 2, Issue 2

Distribution and Habitat Utilization Study of Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus Roseus) in Coastal Areas Of Kanyakumari with Special Reference to Its Ecology And Conservation

The coastal areas of Kanyakumari attracts a large number of migratory birds, one among them is Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus). The Present study was conducted to explore the detail on distribution and habitat utilization of greater flamingo with an extended effort to understand the ecology and conservation status of this magnificent migratory bird in the coastal areas of Kanyakumari. During the present study a survey was conducted (October 2012-March 2013) in five coastal areas of Kanyakumari namely, Kovalam, Puthalam, Manakudy, Rajakkamangalam and Swamythoppu. During the survey the maximum number of birds was observed in Manakudy (529) followed by Puthalam (451), Rajakkamangalam (328), Kovalam (129) and Swamythoppu (82). Habitat utilization data of greater flamingo showed that the number of birds and utilization of habitat solely depends on local hydrobiological conditions of these areas. The results of ecological study revealed that flamingo dislikes disturbance, particularly at breeding times hence they migrate towards a selective area. While concluding, our results suggest that proper habitat conservation and ecological management of these coastal areas could provide these birds “A Home Away from Home”.

Author(s): S. Saraswathi Mohan, Bipin K. Jha, M. Selvendran, A. Ajitha Mol and Michael Babu

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