A birdwatcher's paradise and butterfly haven
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering opportunities to spot a wide array of avian species. The sanctuary is home to both resident and migratory birds, including herons, egrets, kingfishers, terns, darters, and migratory ducks such as the pintail and garganey. The sanctuary's wetlands and water bodies provide an ideal habitat for these birds to feed, breed, and roost. A survey conducted in 2006 revealed that there were 194 birds belonging to 32 species, in Mangalavanam. In the fresh air of Mangalavanam flies 17 species of butterflies, the little beauties that bedeck the sanctuary with multitudes of hues.
Ecological importance
Mangalavanam is a haven for biodiversity and serves as a crucial green lung in Kochi. This urban green space offers a welcome respite from the city's hustle and bustle. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including mangrove forests, wetlands, and aquatic plants, which support a variety of bird species, insects, and other wildlife.