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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.
