Large flocks of migratory flamingos have begun arriving at the coastal wetlands and salt pans of Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, marking the start of the seasonal migration period and drawing the attention of birdwatchers, residents and nature enthusiasts.

The birds have been spotted around saltwater reservoirs along the East Coast Road and in wetlands and water bodies near Perungulam village. The shallow waters and availability of food are providing important feeding and resting grounds for the migratory birds during their seasonal movement. 

Flamingos Return to Thoothukudi

The arrival of flamingos has once again brought a distinctive sight to Thoothukudi's coastal landscape, with large numbers of birds gathering around salt pans and wetlands.

These coastal habitats offer shallow water and food resources that are suitable for flamingos and other waterbirds. The seasonal presence of the birds also highlights the ecological importance of Thoothukudi's network of wetlands and saltwater habitats.

Reports from the region indicate that the current migration season is attracting not only flamingos but also several other migratory waterbird species.

Perungulam Draws Migratory Birds

Perungulam village has emerged as an important bird habitat because its water body retains water when several other tanks in the surrounding region dry up.

Bird researcher Thomas Madhibalan of Muthu Nagar Nature Trust said the bird season at Perungulam begins earlier than at many other wetlands in Tamil Nadu. According to him, migratory birds have already been arriving since mid-August.

Species including godwits, sandplovers, common sandpipers and wood sandpipers have reportedly been observed in the area. 

Wetland Provides Food and Shelter

The availability of water has made Perungulam an important refuge for birds moving through the region. The wetland provides feeding areas as well as places where birds can rest during their seasonal movements.

The presence of multiple species at the site demonstrates the role that relatively small wetlands can play in supporting migratory bird populations.

Thoothukudi's coastal landscape, meanwhile, includes extensive salt pans and other shallow-water habitats that can provide suitable conditions for flamingos and other waterbirds.

Shoreline Damage Raises Concern

While the arrival of migratory birds has brought attention to the region's biodiversity, conservation concerns have also been raised over the condition of Perungulam's shoreline.

Madhibalan said portions of the shoreline have deteriorated, making it more difficult for smaller wading birds to feed along the banks. He called for greater government attention and protection for the wetland. (The News Mill)

The concern is significant because changes to shorelines and feeding areas can affect the ability of wading birds to access food even when water remains available.

Call for Greater Protection

Bird enthusiasts and environmental advocates have urged authorities and local communities to protect the wetlands from pollution, encroachment and other forms of disturbance.

The seasonal arrival of migratory birds provides a visible reminder of the ecological value of these habitats. Maintaining water availability and protecting feeding and resting areas can help ensure that the wetlands continue to support migratory species.

Thoothukudi's Coastal Importance

Thoothukudi lies along the Gulf of Mannar and has a coastal environment that includes salt pans, lagoons, wetlands and other habitats supporting a variety of bird and marine species.

The annual arrival of flamingos has become one of the region's notable seasonal wildlife events. Beyond attracting birdwatchers, their presence underscores the need to balance economic activity around coastal areas with the protection of sensitive habitats.

As more migratory birds arrive during the season, birdwatchers and researchers are expected to continue documenting species and monitoring conditions across the wetlands.

According to reports, the actor submitted details of the items as part of the state's declaration process related to wildlife possessions. The collection reportedly includes religious sculptures depicting deities such as Lord Krishna, Lord Rama and Tirupati Balaji, along with several elephant tusks. The total weight of the declared ivory artefacts is estimated to be around 46 kilograms.

The development comes against the backdrop of a case dating back to 2011, when authorities first discovered elephant tusks and ivory items at Mohanlal’s residence in Kochi.

Forest officials said the actor had previously disclosed possession of four elephant tusks. The latest declaration includes six additional tusks and 13 ivory-based artefacts, prompting officials to undertake a fresh examination of the collection. Authorities are also considering scientific verification, including DNA testing, to establish the origin and authenticity of the items.

Mohanlal has maintained that the objects were either inherited or received as gifts and were not acquired through illegal means.

The controversy began during an Income Tax Department search operation at the actor’s residence in the Thevara area of Kochi in 2011. While the raid was reportedly focused on financial documents and related records, officials came across elephant tusks and ivory artefacts displayed inside the house.

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, possession of elephant ivory is heavily regulated, and ownership requires compliance with specific legal provisions and declarations. Following the discovery, forest authorities seized the items and initiated legal proceedings.

At the time, Mohanlal stated that the tusks belonged to a domesticated elephant that had died of natural causes. He argued that the tusks had been retained as memorabilia and claimed he was unaware of the legal requirements governing possession of such items.

Subsequent developments saw the Kerala government grant him permission to formally declare the tusks. In 2016, the actor was issued an ownership certificate, a move that later became the subject of legal challenges.

Over the years, the case has moved through multiple legal forums. Mohanlal challenged proceedings initiated by a lower court before the Kerala High Court and obtained interim relief for an extended period. He also sought withdrawal of the case through representations to the state government, but those requests were ultimately rejected.

A major turn came in 2025 when the Kerala High Court reportedly examined petitions filed by retired forest officials and wildlife conservation activists. During the proceedings, the court held that the ownership certificate granted to the actor was not legally sustainable and declared it invalid.

However, the court stopped short of directing criminal prosecution against the actor. The ruling nevertheless reopened questions regarding the status and origin of the ivory items linked to the case.

The latest declaration before the Forest Department is expected to become part of the ongoing verification process. Officials are now examining the newly disclosed items and assessing whether further investigation is required under wildlife protection laws.

The case has attracted significant public attention due to Mohanlal’s stature in the Indian film industry and the broader concerns surrounding wildlife conservation and illegal ivory possession. Conservation groups have long argued that strict enforcement of wildlife laws is necessary to discourage the trade and possession of protected animal products.

For now, the Forest Department is expected to continue its scrutiny of the declared artefacts while determining the next legal and procedural steps. Further action will likely depend on the outcome of scientific examinations and the findings of wildlife authorities.

Two South African cheetah brothers, Prabhas and Pavak, have emerged as a remarkable success story in India's ongoing cheetah reintroduction programme. Relocated from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in April 2025, the eight-year-old siblings have impressed wildlife experts with their coordinated hunting techniques, strong social bond, and ability to adapt to a new environment.

When the cheetahs were shifted to Gandhi Sagar, conservationists viewed their survival in the new landscape as a significant challenge. However, over the past year, the pair has not only survived but established a strong presence in the sanctuary, offering valuable insights into cheetah behavior and adaptation in Indian conditions.

According to forest officials, the brothers have displayed a level of cooperation rarely documented in such detail, making them an important subject of study for future wildlife conservation strategies.

A Unique Hunting Strategy

One of the most striking observations has been the brothers' coordinated hunting method, described by wildlife officials as a "split attack pattern."

During hunts involving prey such as chinkara, deer, or nilgai, one cheetah pursues the animal over a long distance, gradually exhausting it. Meanwhile, the second cheetah positions itself strategically along the anticipated escape route and launches a surprise attack.

Officials say this technique leaves prey with little opportunity to evade capture and has become one of the pair's greatest strengths in the wild.

Gandhi Sagar provides a strong prey base, including healthy populations of chital and nilgai, which has contributed to the cheetahs' successful adaptation.

Constant Protection and Teamwork

Experts have also documented what they describe as a "shadow protection system." When one cheetah feeds on a kill, the other remains alert nearby, monitoring the surroundings for potential threats.

On several occasions, the brothers have been observed sitting back-to-back, allowing them to maintain a watchful eye in all directions. Wildlife specialists consider this behavior an advanced survival strategy that enhances security in natural habitats.

Although Gandhi Sagar is home to leopards, the cheetahs were initially released into a large predator-proof enclosure designed to protect them from encounters with larger carnivores during the acclimatization phase.

Strong Social Bond

Another fascinating aspect of their behavior is what experts call "trust bonding behavior." The brothers are frequently seen grooming each other and remaining close together during periods of rest.

Officials have noted characteristics commonly associated with successful male cheetah coalitions, including cooperative hunting, mutual protection, staying together over long distances, and communicating through vocal calls when separated.

This strong social bond has played a key role in their survival and territorial establishment within the sanctuary.

Valuable Insights for Conservation

According to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Sameeta Rajoura, observations from Prabhas and Pavak are helping researchers better understand how cheetahs adapt to Indian ecosystems.

The brothers were relocated along with a nine-year-old female cheetah named Dheera. Since arriving in Gandhi Sagar, Prabhas and Pavak have reportedly made more than 100 successful kills and covered approximately 1,460 kilometers while exploring and establishing their territory.

Wildlife authorities believe the data collected from their movements and behavior will become an important component of India's future cheetah conservation and management strategies.

A Milestone for India's Cheetah Project

The success of Prabhas and Pavak is being viewed as a positive development for India's ambitious cheetah restoration programme. Their ability to thrive in a new environment demonstrates the potential for carefully managed reintroduction efforts and provides valuable lessons for future translocations.

As researchers continue to monitor the pair, their story is offering a rare glimpse into the adaptability, intelligence, and social dynamics of one of the world's fastest predators, while strengthening hopes for the long-term success of cheetah conservation in India.

A recent Supreme Court order defining what constitutes the Aravalli mountain range has sparked a fierce environmental and political debate across northern India.

Environmentalists warn that the ruling could expose over 90% of the ecologically fragile hills to unchecked mining, while the government insists it's a necessary step for clear conservation.

The Core of the Controversy: A New Definition

For decades, the lack of a uniform legal definition of the "Aravalli range" across states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi has hampered conservation efforts.

On November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court approved a high-level committee's recommendation, setting a new benchmark:

The 100-Meter Rule: Only landforms with a height of 100 meters or more will be legally classified as "Aravalli hills."

The 500-Meter Buffer: If two such hills are within 500 meters of each other, the entire intervening area is considered part of the protected Aravalli range.

Mining Restrictions: The court endorsed the committee's view that no new mining leases should be granted except for certain critical, strategic, or atomic minerals.

Why Environmentalists Are Raising the Alarm

The panic stems from data suggesting a vast majority of the Aravallis are short hills. A reported internal assessment by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) indicated that in Rajasthan, only about 8% of over 1,200 identified hills meet the 100-meter threshold.

Activists argue that reducing protection based solely on height ignores the range's crucial ecological role:

Climate Shield: It acts as a natural barrier against the expansion of the Thar Desert into the fertile plains of Delhi-NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Water Recharger: Its rocky terrain helps absorb rainwater, replenishing the groundwater aquifers that supply millions.

Biodiversity Hotspot: It hosts diverse wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, and over 200 bird species.

Government's Rebuttal: "A Definition, Not an Invitation"

Facing public outcry and protests in Rajasthan, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav held a press conference on December 22 to clarify the government's stance. He labeled the fears as "misleading propaganda."

Key government assurances include:

No Mining in NCR: Minister Yadav explicitly stated that mining remains completely prohibited in the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes parts of the Aravallis.

Protected Areas Safe: All existing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves (like Sariska and Ranthambore), and forest areas continue to enjoy full legal protection.

 Aim is Clarity: The government argues that a clear, map-based definition using Survey of India data will actually curb illegal mining and land encroachment by removing ambiguity.

The Road Ahead: Vigilance and Transparency

The ultimate impact of the Supreme Court's order hinges on its on-ground implementation. Experts are calling for:

Public Mapping: The release of all cadastral maps defining the new boundaries for public scrutiny.

Independent Monitoring: Strong oversight mechanisms to ensure the promised restrictions on new mining leases are enforced.

Holistic Review: Future policies must consider the region's hydrology and biodiversity, not just topographical height.

This controversy highlights India's persistent challenge in balancing ecological preservation with developmental pressures.

The fate of the ancient Aravallis now depends on rigorous enforcement and unwavering political will.