Singanallur and Sulur wetlands, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India
Management and funding
SACON in partnership with schools of the Singanallur and Sulur-Voluntary Activity by SACON as a part of its nature education programme (www.sacon.org) and www.wetlandsofindia.org
Founded/opened
The centre was opened with activities of students of these two schools three years ago. There is no estimate of visitors. Mostly visited for bird watching. Known for Spot-billed Pelicans and other migratory birds.
Description
The centre is a very old freshwater irrigation tank used by humans for irrigation, fishing, cultural activities and ecotourism.
Key species/features
Threatened species such as Spot-billed Pelican use the habitat in the post monsoon season. Locals use the tank for important festivals associated with agriculture.
General
The Salim Ali Nature Club along with the wetland conservation, research and outreach, through its sponsored programme of Environmental Information System (ENVIS), has strongly committed to advocacy and learning of nature conservation with an emphasis on wetlands in select districts of Tamil Nadu. As a part of this vision, the Singanallur and Sulur centres have taken up CEPA activity, mainly for students by students.
Interpretation and exhibitry
One of the major activities is bird watching and secondly, organising painting of waterbirds by students on canvas.
The paintings are exhibited on Salim Ali's birthday on November 12 and are evaluated by a panel of judges.
Formal (school and university) learning
The programmes are arranged as a part of school curroculum on nature education. Teacher training programmes are held periodically at SACON and on field courses and the information is available at SACON's website and through its news letters.
Informal (general public) learning
There are guidebooks/notes for visitors and there are three dedicated staff/project scientists catering to the programme. There is the Salim Ali Nature Club.
Professional
Regular (5-6/year) programmes for professionals.
Staffing
Three persons work at the centre. Dr P. Pramod is in charge.
Contact
Dr S. Narendra Prasad, Senior Principal Scientist
E: snarendra.prasad@gmail.com
Dr P. Pramod
E: salimali@vsnl.com