Vankalai Sanctuary

The Ramsar wetland site Vankalai Sanctuary, sometimes called the Mannar Bird Sanctuary, is located in the Mannar District of Sri Lanka. It was created in 2008 and spans 4,839 hectares. Among its many ecosystems are maritime grasslands, salt marshes, lagoons, tidal flats, seagrass beds, arid-zone thorn scrubland, and shallow marine areas. More than 150 different bird species can be found in the sanctuary, including migratory and resident species such as the Black-tailed Godwit, Northern Pintail, Greater Flamingo, Eurasian Wigeon, Indian Spot-billed Duck, Comb Duck, Long-toed Stint, and Peregrine Falcon. More than sixty fish and marine life species, including endangered ones like the dugong, green sea turtle, and saltwater crocodile, have habitat thanks to the shallow maritime environments. Vankalai Sanctuary is an important region for local fisheries and community livelihoods, as well as a major spot in Sri Lanka for bird watching. Boat cruises, bird watching, and ecosystem exploration are available to visitors.