
The Karaivetti Birds Sanctuary with an area of 453.71 ha.
has been notified under section 18(1) of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 as per
Government Order No.219 E&F (FR.VI) Dept dt. 10.06.1997. The sanctuary is
basically an irrigation tank that receives water from the Mettur dam from
September onwards which is supplemented by the northeast monsoons from October
till January. The sanctuary is one of the most important fresh water feeding
ground for migratory water birds in the state of Tamil Nadu. One of the
largest tanks in the state, it has recorded the largest congregation of water
birds among all the tanks in the state. Of the 188 species of birds recorded in
the sanctuary, 82 are water birds. Among the important visitors to the tank is
the endangered Bar Headed Goose. The best time to visit the sanctuary for bird
watching is April-May.