Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation ( KNF )

Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation

Muthukulivayal Kanniyakumari wildlife sanctuary

Protecting the natural world by nurturing compassion towards wildlife.

  • KNF’s Ponmudi Expedition
    KNF had been trying to organize a trip to Ponmudi for wildlife enthusiasts for quite some time, but the plan kept getting postponed due to various reasons. After several delays, the much-anticipated trip finally took place on September 29th, with 30 eager participants joining in
  • KNF Celebration and Trek to Kaali Hills
    Kanniyakumari wasn’t widely known as a birdwatching hotspot until just two years ago. However, birders Anand Shibu and Ajil transformed the prospect through their relentless birding efforts. Their dedication propelled the eBird count for Kanniyakumari into the top five districts in Tamil Nadu. The Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation (KNF) began hosting regular bird walks and secured access to forested areas, allowing birders to explore diverse habitats
  • A First for Tamil Nadu: Persian Shearwater Spotted off Kanniyakumari Coast
    Birdwatchers in Tamil Nadu were elated with the recent sighting of a Persian Shearwater near the Kanniyakumari coast, marking the first recorded appearance of this rare species in the state. This discovery further enhances the region’s reputation as a birdwatcher’s haven.
  • Shells, Shores : A Nature Walk on Chothavilai Beach
    The Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation (KNF) organized a seashore walk on…
  • கன்னியாகுமரி மாவட்டத்தில் நம் வீட்டை சுற்றி இருக்கும் பறவைகள்
    கன்னியாகுமரி மாவட்டத்தில் நம் வீட்டை சுற்றி இருக்கும் பறவைகள்
    கன்னியாகுமரி மாவட்டத்தில் நம் வீட்டை சுற்றி இருக்கும் பறவைகள்
  • Spiders of India
    A gallery of spiders found in India with their names.
  • KNF get together
    KNF organized a gathering for wildlife volunteers who have actively participated in KNF events. Held inside a private property near the Muppandhal area, the location is owned by the Dhonavur Fellowship Trust, which has dedicated the land to wildlife conservation. The evening was dedicated to exploring this last remaining wilderness.
  • Wetland Day Celebrated in Kanniyakumari with School Children
    On February 2nd, 2024, the Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation (KNF), along with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Forest Department of Tamil Nadu, organized an awareness program for 75 government school children in celebration of World Wetland Day.
  • Mission Iyarkai Camp Program
    The initiative entails adhering to a curriculum crafted by WWF India, commencing with the establishment of a green committee by students. Subsequently, students are tasked with conducting a school audit, surveying biodiversity on their school premises, and engaging with the local community. To foster active participation, the Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation has been enlisted as the local partner for the project.
  • Mycena chlorophos is a bioluminescent fungus
    Discovery of Bioluminescent Mushroom in Kanniyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary
    During a monsoon expedition within the protected area of Kanyakumari…
  • Glass Bottle Cleanup in Forest Areas
    The impact of human activities on natural ecosystems is an…
  • KK Wilderness Explorer program
    The KK Wilderness Explorer program, initiated by the Kanniyakumari Forest Department, aims to introduce school students to the rich biodiversity of the Kanniyakumari district. Collaborating as a knowledge partner in this endeavor is the Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation. The program commenced on September 16th with the participation of 33 students and   two school teachers.

A not for profit organization

"Green champion award"

The Tamil Nadu government awarded the “Green champion award” for Kanniyakumari district for our activities.

For the past few months, KNF has been working on the removal of Mucuna bracteata, an aggressive weed, found in Kanniyakumari Wildlife sanctuary. The project involves uprooting the fast growing weed and then planting native trees. The selected plot is being regularly monitored to remove the fast growing weed on a continuous basis. In the past few months even though the weed is growing back again , we are removing it continuously. As we expected many other native plants and trees have started growing in between the weeds. This gives us hope that with the regular maintenance, we will soon create a plot with a plant diversity which reflects the natural forest diversity. KNF organized a birding session and an opportunity for a gathering in the lovely rainy weather. The birding session was conducted by Anand Shibu and the team gained good knowledge about birdwatching. Following morning a birdwatching program was done in Rajakkamangalam lake in rains. Even in the rains, the team saw 39 bird species including 4 migratory bird species. Rufous tailed rock thrush was spotted for the first time in Tamilnadu in Kanniyakumari district. This migrant is a rare visitor to India. In the past few months there were 2 other first sightings for Tamilnadu from Kanniyakumari district. They are Willow warbler and Persian Shearwater, both were sighted by Anand Shibu, @hoatzin_birds_stories a relentless birder from Kanniyakumari district! These are just a few examples to show how rich the biodiversity of Kanniyakumari is and how much conservation is needed for this biodiversity hotspot.#lifer #birdwatching #rare bird#migration #migrantbird #birdwatching #birdphotography #birdersofinstagram #tamilnadu #biodiversity #kanniyakumari #travelphotography #environmentprotection #environment #saveplanetearth #thrush It's always a pleasure to do a nature walk with enthusiastic college students ! 50 students chasing butterflies, listening to bird calls, looking at plants, spotting insects and reptiles was interesting. Outdoor learning is very important to explore the natural world. It's a night for moth enthusiasts. The night life for nature enthusiasts is vibrant and fun but not many know about this kind of fun nocturnal lifestyle 😃#moth #mothwatching #kanniyakumari #biodiversity #nightlife #nocturnal #naturalist #education #awareness #ngo #saveenvironment #protectforests #students #tamilnadu #unique We celebrated two major milestones recently. First, we marked the Kanniyakumari district reaching 400 bird species recorded on eBird, thanks to recent additions from the birders group. Second, we celebrated the Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation receiving the Green Championship Award for the second consecutive year. To commemorate these achievements, our nature-loving team enjoyed a wonderful trek together. It’s always refreshing to connect with like-minded individuals.

Click here to take part in mapping the roosting sites of fruit bats.

Contact us

let’s work together

  • 9940564585
  • knf.conservation@gmail.com
  • 30 South SLB road Nagercoil 629001

About us

All for the love of nature

  • A not for profit organization
  • Based out of Nagercoil
  • Protection of bio diversity is our primary aim.