Mannar Bird Sanctuary

The Mannar Bird Sanctuary (also known as the Vankalai Lagoon or Vankalai Sanctuary) covers an area of more than 4,800 hectares and is home to a diverse range of migratory species. The Department of Wildlife Conservation designated the region as a sanctuary in 2008, and it offers a range of ecosystems (mangroves, salt marshes, lagoons, waterholes, grasslands, and more) for the birds to live in peace. The refuge was designated a Ramsar Site in 2010, indicating that it is a wetland site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. During the migratory season, the area is noted for providing superb feeding and living grounds for its vast waterbird population, which numbers more than 20,000 birds.

Several uncommon birds, including the spot-billed duck, comb duck, long-toed stint, peregrine falcons, and the extremely rare Eastern Black-tailed Godwit, can be seen here. Flamingos may also be seen at the site. Nearly 150 distinct bird species have been claimed to have been observed at the sanctuary, while the marine ecology is said to support over 60 species, including fish, turtles, dugongs, and crocodiles. When thousands of birds migrate to Sri Lanka, the Mannar region – particularly the bird sanctuary – is their first destination. Vankalai Lagoon also serves as their final staging area before departing the country at the end of the season.