Indiscriminate sand quarrying on the Vaigai riverbed, and granite quarrying in many parts of Madurai, have spelt disaster for many raptor species and, today, only two Laggar Falcons survive on the rock clifs of Arittapatti near Melur in the district.
Laggar Falcons are an indigenous raptor species with white and grey plumage, which can hunt and fly at speeds of up to 180 kmph. A few Peregrine Falcons, also a resident species and one of the fastest at flying, also reside in this area.
Arittapatti, situated between Alagarmalai and Perumal Malai reserve forests, is a historic site with 2,000-year-old Jain rock beds and inscriptions.Madurai was once a paradise for 17 species of raptors, which could feed on the then plentifully available reptiles. “Birds are the greatest indicators of climate change, and of loss of habitat and biodiversity. Due to sand quarrying, Madurai lost its Vaigai-based biodiversity, including hundreds of Brahminy Kites, Black Kites and native fishes,”
Stone quarrying in Keezhavazhavu and Melavazhavu destroyed the habitat and nesting spots of raptors and other birds, including eagles, falcons and owls. Felling of palm trees, which is a nesting spot of many raptor species, is also one of the reasons for the disappearance of the birds.
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