The of Tamil Nadu recently issued a notification declaring Madurai districts Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram villages as the states first Biodiversity heritage site.
The Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site spans across two villages Arittapatti village (Melur block) and Meenakshipuram village (Madurai East taluk).
Arittapatti village is known for its ecological and historical significance. It hosts some 250 bird species, including three important raptors (birds of prey) the Laggar Falcon, the Shaheen Falcon and Bonellis Eagle. It also hosts Indian Pangolin, Slender Loris and pythons and others.
The declaration of this site was made under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.