Elathur lake in Erode notified as Tamil Nadu’s third Biodiversity Heritage Site

The Tamil Nadu government has officially notified the Elathur lake in Erode district as the State’s third Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).

Spanning 37.42 ha, the lake is now protected under Section 37(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. This follows the previous BHS designations of Arittapatti in Madurai district in November 2022 and Kasampatty in Dindigul district in March 2025.

According to an official release, BHS are well-defined areas that are unique, ecologically fragile, and rich in biodiversity. They conserve rare, threatened, and keystone species, safeguard evolutionary significance, and highlight cultural linkages with nature.

The release said Elathur lake served as a crucial habitat to both migratory and resident birds. It is one of the important wintering and breeding grounds for resident and migratory bird species, mammals, and flora. Its ecosystem includes deep and shallow waters, marshland, dry scrub land, mudflats, and rocky terrain.

During peak migratory seasons, up to 5,000 birds roost here. The lake supports endangered species such as the steppe eagle, and vulnerable species such as river tern and greater spotted eagle. It is also home to near-threatened species, including the Asian woolly-necked Stork and black-headed Ibis. In total, 187 species of birds have been recorded at the site.

In addition to its birdlife, the Elathur lake houses 38 plant species, 35 butterfly species, 12 dragonflies, 12 reptiles, seven mammals, and a variety of amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.

The Erode Collector confirmed that the notification was first issued on January 28, 2025. The move ensured the long-term ecological health of the lake, while preserving the cultural and traditional values of the area.