News: Recently, four more wetlands have been recognized as Ramsar sites, increasing the total number in the country to 89.
About Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
- Location: The Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary is situated in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu.
- Area: The sanctuary covers an area of 230.495 hectares.
- Ecological Importance:
- It functions as an irrigation tank, which stores water for agricultural purposes in the region.
- The wetland is recharged by the northeast monsoon, particularly between October and January.
- The sanctuary provides a breeding and foraging ground for 42 bird species, including the Spot-billed Pelican, Grey Heron, Little Cormorant, and Black Kite.
- It is strategically located along the Central Asian Flyway, making it an essential stopover site for migratory birds.
- Environmental Benefits:
- The sanctuary plays a crucial role in climate regulation by stabilizing the local microclimate.
- It helps in groundwater recharge, ensuring water availability for nearby communities.
- It supports irrigation and agriculture, benefiting local farmers and enhancing food security.
About Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
- Location: The Therthangal Bird Sanctuary is also located in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu.
- Area: It spans 29.295 hectares.
- Ecological Importance:
- The sanctuary is a freshwater ecosystem, which provides an important breeding ground for waterbirds.
- It supports a diverse avian population, with 96 recorded bird species across 18 orders and 44 families.
- Some of the notable bird species found here include the Oriental Darter, Black-headed Ibis, Asian Woolly-necked Stork, and Spot-billed Pelican.
- Environmental Benefits:
- The wetland contributes significantly to climate regulation by maintaining local temperature and humidity levels.
- It plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, ensuring water sustainability for the surrounding regions.
- The sanctuary also supports irrigation and agriculture, benefiting local livelihoods.
About Khecheopalri Lake, Sikkim
- Location: Khecheopalri Lake is located near Khecheopalri village in West Sikkim.
- Cultural and Ecological Significance:
- The lake is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus and is popularly known as the wish-fulfilling lake.
- It is believed to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and the Goddess Tara, making it an important spiritual site.
- The lake is part of a Himalayan peatland ecosystem and is surrounded by broad-leaved mixed temperate forests.
- Biodiversity:
- The wetland supports a rich variety of macrophytes, phytoplankton, and zooplankton.
- It is home to several fish species, including Cyprinus carpio (Common Carp) and Danio aequipinnatus (Giant Danio).
- It serves as a resting site for migratory birds from the Trans-Himalayan region, making it an ecologically significant habitat.
About Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Jharkhand
- Location: The Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is located in the Sahibganj district of Jharkhand.
- The sanctuary consists of two interconnected water bodies, namely Pataura Lake (155 hectares) and Berhale Lake (410 hectares). These lakes are linked by a water channel, forming a continuous wetland ecosystem.
- Ecological Importance:
- The sanctuary is situated on the floodplain of the Ganga River, making it an essential part of the region’s water cycle.
- It is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its significance for avian conservation.
- The sanctuary is home to 83 bird species, including the Near Threatened Black-necked Stork.
- Additionally, it supports 22 commercially valuable fish species, contributing to local fisheries and the regional economy.
