Shekha Bird Sanctuary

News: Recently, the Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, was recognised as a Ramsar site.

About Shekha Bird Sanctuary

• Shekha Bird Sanctuary is a freshwater lake located in Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh.
• It is a perennial lake that came into existence after the formation of the Upper Ganges Canal in 1852.
• The Upper Ganga canal flows adjacent to the lake. It divides the lake into two parts.
• Rainfall: The area receives moderate rainfall up to a maximum of 644 mm. 
• Area: Its total area is 25 ha.
• Ramsar Site: It has been declared a Ramsar site in 2026.
  • With this addition, India’s total number of internationally recognised wetlands is 99.
• The lake and its surrounding areas support a diversity of habitats, viz., wetland, grassland, forest, agricultural land, etc. 
• Flora: The dominant tree species that surround the lake are Terminalia arjuna and Syzigium cumini. 
  • The other components of the vegetation include acacias, Dalbergia sissoo, and neem, among others.
  • The major weeds include Lantana camara, Sida, Parthenium hysterophorus and Cassia tora. 
• Fauna: Species such as blue bulls, blackbuck, five-striped squirrels, and Indian mongoose are found here. 
  • It is a famous habitat for winter migratory birds traversing the Central Asian Flyway migratory route, such as the bar-headed goose and the painted stork.