Mangalavanam is a bird sanctuary, which is situated behind the Kerala High Court building. Regarded as the green lung of Kochi, this ecologically sensitive area is home to large variety of migratory birds. Besides, it is a mangrove area, which consists of a shallow lake bordered by thick mangrove vegetation. The true mangrove and mangrove associate species like avicennia officinalis, rhizophora mucronata, and acrostichum aureum, are found in the area. Acanthus ilicifolius, which is the endangered species, is also found in the area. Total of 6 species of mammals, including Indian Flying-fox, painted bat, Three-Striped Palm Squirrel, house rat, Bandicota, and Eurasian otter, also inhabit the area. Amphibian species like limnonectes limnocharis and duttaphrynus melanostictus can also be spotted. Seven species of fishes that are found in this area include anabas testudineus, striped panchax, etroplus suratensis, and sarotherodon mossambicus.