About two thirds of the total area of Kanyakumari District is lowland plains dotted with 2,058 freshwater wetlands known as kulam or ponds. It is referred to as the District of Ponds. In addition to Suchindram-Theroor, other major freshwater wetlands of this district include Parakkai, Manikaputheri, Thathiar, Suchindram Theroor Vembannur, Chungankadai, Putheri, Thazhaikudi and Manavalkurchi.[6]
Suchindram pond has a large variety of aquatic vegetation including water lilly, lotus, floating hearts, pistia and other water plants. A few tall trees and other bushes have formed an island at the centre, which gives refuge and is a resting place for birds.[6]
In 1993, Dr. Robert Grubh, of Institute for Restoration of Natural Environment in Nagercoil, lead a program for Conservation and Management of Suchindram Kulam Wetland in Southern India for Promotion of Agriculture, Fishing and Ecotourism, in cooperation with the Conservation Impact Grants Program of a consortium of the World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and the World Resources Institute and funded by the United States Agency for International Development.[8]
Some local fisherfolk and agriculturists were not happy that a project was being developed to create a bird sanctuary at the Suchindram wetlands. They were concerned that sanctuary authorities would restrain fishing activities and more birds would destroy their crops. However, a large number of local people were engaged in wetlands conservation through the projects use of local television, field demonstrations, press interviews, and community lectures to stimulate conservation awareness. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department, District Collectors, the Public Works Department, village Panchayats and others have supported the conservation efforts.[9]
"Garganey Anas querquedula". BirdLife Species Factsheet (additional data). BirdLife International. 2008. Archived from the original on 1 December 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2009.