Oussudu or Ousteri Bird Sanctuary is the first and the only wildlife sanctuary in the Indian union territory of Puducherry.[1] It was created in 2018.[1] It spans over 390 acres around the Ousteri lake.[2]
The lake is home to around 200 species of birds.[3] About 40 species of migratory birds visit the sanctuary after November everyear including golden oriole, openbill stork, tailor bird, painted stork, white ibis, white-breasted water-hen and spotted owlets.[1] The vegetation ranges from small herbs to trees, which supports migratory avifauna as well as native birds during summer and winter.[4]
However, bird poaching poses a significant threat to the sanctuary.[5] In 2022, the Wildlife Department in Puducherry seized 57 bird carcasses, which had been poisoned and killed by poachers.[6]