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The Pichavaram Mangrove forests is located in Pichavaram village near Chidambaram. This village consists a number of islands at a vast expanse of water covered with mangrove forest. It is one of the largest mangrove forests in India covering about 45 KM square of area.
It is seperated from the Bay of Bengal by a sand bar. The biological zone consists of species like Avicennia and Rhizophora. It also supports the existence of rose varieties of economically important shells and fishes. The mangroves also attract migrant and local birds including snipes, cormorants, egrets, storks, herons, spoonbills and pelicans.
Significance:
There are about 177 species of birds belonging to 15 orders and 41 families. The high populatiom of these birds can be seen from November to January. The area includes a variety of natural features such as channels, creeks, gullies, mudflats, sand flats and nearby seashore. These different types of habitats create ideal living conditions for many species of birds & animals, allowing them to find food, shelter and breeding spaces in a friendly environment.
These mangroves serve as a nurserty ground for fish & other marine life. The netwok of waterways, channels and root systems supports over 200 species of birds including migrating birds. This is why it became a hotspot for birdwatchers. The unique mix of freshwater & seawater makes it an important ecosystem.
Parangipettai is the nearest bus stand at a distance of around 8.6 KM from the mangrove forest. You can take a local taxi or bus from the bus stand to reach the mangrove. Buses run frequently in this route.
