Unlike in the case of humans, the COVID-19 lockdown seems to have had a positive impact on animals and birds. Limited human interference and reduced pollution levels in the district have helped them reclaim their space in the ecosystem to a certain extent, say environmentalists.
Many bird species which migrate from other parts of the country – known as partial migratory birds – have now extended their stay at the Therthangal and Melaselvanoor-Keelaselvanoor bird sanctuaries, says Ramanathapuram Forest Range Officer S. Sathish.
“Usually, species like open bill stork, spot-billed pelican, painted stork, grey heron, spoonbill and ibis depart from here by March. However, this year, they have extended their stay, thanks to the lockdown,” he says.
“A good northeast monsoon and comfortable storage in waterbodies across the district had led to an increase in the nesting of birds in these two sanctuaries during the last season,” he says. “Forest department officials released fingerlings into waterbodies last year. The tanks and feeder channels were desilted to ensure that there was good water storage,” he adds.
“Reduced human movement has resulted in less disturbance to the birds, prompting them to stay here longer,” says N. Raveendran, a Madurai-based birdwatcher. “Also, human-induced pollution has come down during this [lockdown] period,” he adds.
In the absence of grand marriages and other functions, noise pollution is minimal. This has also benefited the birds, says M. Manivannan, a birdwatcher from Karaikudi.
A.S. Marimuthu, Wildlife Warden, Ramanathapuram, says the lockdown period has helped in reducing injuries to marine animals. “Usually, animals like dugongs, dolphins and sea turtles sustain injuries after getting hit by the propellers of boats. The lockdown has helped in avoiding such accidents,” he adds.
According to Mr. Sathish, spotted deer and peacocks were seen in good numbers in Thondi and Thiruvadanai recently.
