Firefighters are battling to contain the fire. When reports last came in, the blaze was still raging.

Local people contacted by New Indian Express said they spotted birds flying out of the wetland as the fire spread. They feared the worst for eggs and hatchlings.

The fire is said to have started when some miscreants set alight dried amla (Phyllanthusemblica) trees in one part of the wetland this morning. The blaze rapidly spread to the rest of the protected area.

Forest and fire officials are trying to fend off the fire and estimates of loss of wildlife were not in yet.

Located near Nagercoil town in Tamil Nadu’s southernmost district, the Suchindram-Theroor-Manakudy lake area is known for attracting a large number of birds during the September-November months.

Migratory birds from across the globe, including Canada, Russia, New Zealand and Australia flock to the wetland, which is a conservation reserve of around 4.85 sq km.

Local sources said there were a considerable number of birds still in the area although it’s the fag of the migratory season.