National Marine Biodiversity Museum

Mangalavanam is an ecologically sensitive area situated at the centre of the Indian city of Kochi.Covering about 2.74 hectares. It also houses a shallow tidal lake connected with Kochi backwaters by a canal. It is situated behind the Kerala High Court building. It is a nesting ground for a large variety of migratory birds and supports many types of mangroves. The Managalavanam is often regarded as the "green lung of Kochi",[1] considering its role in keeping the city's air pollution under check. The area is a roosting place for many kinds of resident and migratory birds. [2]

Recently the high-rise buildings in the nearby area are curtailing the movement of birds in the sanctuary. The buildings close to the sanctuary interrupt proper orientation, take-off and landings of the birds. They also cause hurdles in the regular movements of the nesting birds in transporting nesting materials. It is also likely to hinder the movement of birds while bringing food materials to the chicks and fledglings.[3] The administrative control of the sanctuary is with the Assistant Conservator of Forest and Wildlife Warden Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary of Nature Study Centre Kalady and then to the Range Officer Research Range Kodanad.

The true mangrove and mangrove associate species that exist in the sanctuary are Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora mucronata, Acanthus ilicifolius and Acrostichum aureum— Although not threatened species according to IUCN Red List, they are of vital importance in estuarine ecosystems.

Mangalavanam is primarily a bird refuge. A bird survey conducted in May 2006 found that there were 194 birds belonging to 32 species. The total number of bird species recorded so far from the area is 72. Some of the birds found are common redshank, common greenshank, brahminy kite, white-breasted waterhen and marsh sandpiper.[4]

In a recent study revealed six species of mammals Indian flying-fox, painted bat, three-striped palm squirrel/dusky palm squirrel, house rat/black rat, bandicota, and Eurasian otter. Two species of amphibians, Limnonectes limnocharis and Duttaphrynus melanostictus, and seven species of fishes Anabas testudineus, Striped panchax, Malabar swamp eel, Orange chromide, Blackline rasbora, Etroplus suratensis and Sarotherodon mossambica are found here.[5]

During a study conducted in 2006, 17 species of butterflies were recorded in this area. 51 species of spiders belonging to 40 Genus and 16 families were recorded here. This represented 27% of the total families reported from India.

It is inside the national fisheries institute. Very informative. The staff present in the museum answered all our questions very clearly.

National Marine BioDiversity Museum is a "must see" place in Kochi ,situated in Central Marine Fisheries Research
Institute(CMFRI).Near Mangalavanam bird sanctuary.

Admission fee of museum is Rs 20/-

Museum is systematically arranged and it is very helpful for students.
Staffs in this museum is very helpful and they will answer every question we ask.
Museum holds 2000+ different specimens of algae,fishes,corals,sponges etc

This museum is in the sixth floor of CMFRI

There is also an aquarium outside with different types of fishes.
Photography prohibited in museum.

If you want to go to this museum don't go via Mangalavanam bird sanctuary.please use the following route
Ernakulam North-High court signal junction-turn right- Abraham madamakkal road-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

Awesome collection, but bad service !! They will not explain ! After lunch they are in a hurry to reach home

Great timings
Week days closes at 4.30 pm
Closed on all Sundays
What's the basic idea of running this place is it to bunk school and come here or else u expect a kid to come by its own to visit this place reduculous .
Utlest on Sundays they can keep it open
Just a comment
Hope some one would do something someday

There's a small aquarium which the general public may enjoy at the ground floor. The sixth floor museum/repository is more for researchers and contains several preserved/model species.

The entry charge as on 07.12.2019 is Rs. 20.

Good

A great place for children to ji pokilla their knowledge . And see what else is there for them to see ahead in their future . It will be a good experience to visit this place.