The Sanctuary consists of human-made irrigation tanks, interconnected by an ancient network of canals and fed by the Mettur dam through the Koraiyar canal. The Site is an important staging and breeding ground for several species of waterbirds. Notable species observed include the oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster), black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), Eurasian wigeon (Anas Penelope), Northern pintail (Anas acuta) and garganey (Anas querquedula). The Site provides the surrounding communities with fresh water for human consumption and also livestock and agriculture by storing floodwaters during the monsoon and maintaining surface water flow during drier periods. It also helps replenish groundwater and feeds surrounding smaller wetlands and agricultural land. The Site is threatened by storms, flooding, uncontrolled harvesting of aquatic resources, and recreation and tourism. There is a management plan available, but it is yet to be implemented.