The Site, the second largest brackish lake in Peninsular India, was designated as a Bird Sanctuary in 2021. It is connected to the Bay of Bengal in the north via Uppukalli creek, and receives seawater during high tides or cyclones. As a result, the salinity of the wetland varies, with saltier water in the north transitioning to fresh water in the south at Kazhuveli basin. This variation allows the wetland to act as a migratory path and spawning ground for multiple fish species. The gum arabic tree (Vachellia nilotica) and Jerusalem thorn (Parkinsonia aculeate) found in the Site provide nesting areas for over 2,000 colonial nesting birds each breeding season, particularly for the spot-billed pelican (Pelecanus philippensis). Located along the central Asian flyway, the Site also provides feeding grounds for migratory species such as the vulnerable spotted eagle (Aquila clanga), imperial eagle (Aquila heliacal) and river tern (Sterna aurantia). Its swampy areas offer suitable nesting grounds for the vulnerable Indian flap-shelled turtle (Lissemys punctata) and Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans). Overall, the diverse habitats support 229 species of birds, 85 fish, 72 butterflies, 39 reptiles, 13 amphibians and 14 mammals. Hence, the Site is popular amongst nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, wildlife photographers and researchers.