Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary:
New aquaculture tanks have reportedly been dug in parts of the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary, where illegal tanks were demolished recently as part of an encroachment drive undertaken following the Supreme Court orders.
- It is a significant wetland sanctuary located in the West Godavari and Krishna districts of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
- The sanctuary protects part of the Kolleru Lake wetland, which gained Ramsar Convention for International importance in 2002.
- The lake is fed directly by the seasonal Budameru and Tammileru rivers and is connected to the Krishna and Godavari systems by inflowing drains and channels.
- It is a crucial wetland ecosystem and serves as a stopover point for migratory birds.
- The sanctuary’s flora includes various aquatic plants, submerged macrophytes, and wetland vegetation that provide essential food and shelter for the diverse bird species.
- It is home to many species of resident and migratory birds.
- Commonly found birds in the sanctuary are: little egret, cattle egret, pied kingfisher, small blue kingfisher, blackcapped kingfisher, pond heron, reef heron, grey heron, night heron, etc.
