Explanation – India has increased its tally of Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) to 80 from existing 75 by designating five more wetlands as Ramsar sites. These are: Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Karnataka, Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, Tamil Nadu, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, Karnataka, Aghanashini Estuary, Karnataka.

1. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary-It is centred around a large freshwater lake. This lake is the focal point of the sanctuary and serves as a crucial habitat for a variety of bird species, both resident and migratory. It supports 1% population of Black-headed iblis and oriental Darter.
2. Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve-The bar-headed goose is one of the birds which migrate to Magadi wetlands.
3. Longwood Shola Reserve Forest– It derives its name from the Tamil word, “Solai”, which means a ‘tropical rain forest’. It maintains the hydrological regime of the region, by capturing rainwater through marshes and then releasing it via streams. It is home to the threatened Nilgiri marten and other rare fauna and flora.
4. Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve-It is the only place in Karnataka where Great Indian Bustard can be seen.
5. Aghanashini Estuary– It is formed at the confluence of Aghanashini River with the Arabian sea. The brackish water of the Estuary provides diverse ecosystem services including flood and erosion risk mitigation, biodiversity conservation and livelihood support.

Source: Forum IAS