Did you know India plays host to the most unique and spectacular 350 species of migratory birds every winter?
Migration is one of the most extraordinary feats in the natural world, and for birds, it’s a journey fraught with peril. To fly thousands of kilometers across continents without stopping requires immense stamina and preparation. Before setting off, migratory birds build up significant fat reserves. During flight, their heart rates can soar by up to 400%, and their core body temperatures can spike to as high as 44.4°C.
Yet, despite these adaptations, migration remains a dangerous journey, especially if birds encounter unsuitable environments or predators during their stopovers. This is why protecting safe resting habitats along their migratory routes is critical.
At Grow-Trees we have developed the Trees for Migratory Birds in Viluppuram Tamil Nadu to increase the green cover which will serve as a resting place for the birds as they make their journey.
Conservation and Ecological Importance
Kaliveli’s Wetlands in the periphery of our project that has been designated as a Ramsar Site in August 2024. Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance recognized under the Ramsar Convention, an environmental treaty initiated by UNESCO in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. Highlights its vital role as a feeding and breeding ground for over 40,000 migratory birds. It lies along the Central Asian Flyway, one of eight global migratory flyways, where birds traverse continents to find suitable wintering and breeding grounds. According to studies from the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), India’s wetlands host approximately 40% of migratory bird species that use this route, underscoring the importance of Kaliveli in maintaining the ecological balance for these birds.
Habitat and Avian Diversity
Kaliveli’s diverse habitats—ranging from grasslands to floating vegetation—support over 204 bird species from 60 different families, with 75% of them being aquatic. Studies on wetland habitats show that wetlands contribute 30% more to biodiversity per square kilometer than terrestrial ecosystems, making Kaliveli an indispensable biodiversity hotspot. Research from the Wetlands International (WI) highlights that such habitats offer ideal conditions for migratory birds to rest and replenish before continuing their journeys.
Migratory Birds of Kaliveli-
During the migratory season from November onward, Kaliveli Wetlands become home to bird species from as far as Siberia, North Africa, Europe, and the Himalayas. Notable examples include:
Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala): Recognized for its “sweeping” foraging method, this bird’s success depends on wetland integrity, with studies showing a 30% decrease in Painted Stork populations in areas facing water pollution and land encroachment.
Little Stint (Calidris minuta): This Arctic-breeding bird migrates over 5,000 kilometers, showcasing one of the longest annual migrations. Recent research links their migratory health to stopover habitats, emphasizing that quality wetland habitats can increase migratory survival rates by 25%.
Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris): Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the Great Knot migrates up to 12,000 kilometers annually. Recent studies reveal that population declines correlate with a 15% loss of stopover habitats in regions like Southeast Asia.
Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis): With only 13,000 individuals left, Spot-billed Pelicans are heavily dependent on stable nesting areas, primarily in India and Southeast Asia, where they play a crucial role in wetland health as apex consumers.
Ruff (Calidris pugnax): Engaging in complex mating displays, the Ruff migrates approximately 10,000 kilometers to reach its wintering grounds. Scientific observations link the success of migratory birds like the Ruff to intact wetland and grassland ecosystems.
Trees For Migratory Birds™:
To support the survival of these remarkable species, Grow-Trees.com has introduced the Trees for Migratory Birds™ project in Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu, India. By planting native tree species in regions frequented by migratory birds™, such as riparian zones and grasslands near Kaliveli-like wetlands, Grow-Trees.com contributes to the restoration and creation of essential stopover sites. Studies show that native trees around wetlands provide shelter and increase food availability by up to 20%, benefiting migratory birds and enhancing biodiversity.