Three new wetlands have got the Ramsar site tag taking the total tally of Ramsar wetlands to 85 in India.
- The three new Ramsar sites are Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh.
Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
- A large shallow wetland situated in Uthukuli Taluk, Tiruppur District.
- Area: 125.865 hectares.
- Biodiversity: 191 bird species, 87 butterfly species, 21 reptile species, 11 small mammal species, 77 plant species.
- Function: Feeding and nesting habitat for birds, water source for agriculture, aids groundwater recharge.
- Community Involvement: Strong local association with forest department for sustainable management.
- New Status: Declared Tamil Nadu’s 17th bird sanctuary.
Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
- Located in Villupuram district, north of Pondicherry.
- Area: 5151.6 hectares.
- Habitat Type: Brackish shallow lake with estuarine, creek, and freshwater basin sections.
- Importance: Lies on the Central Asian Flyway, crucial for migratory birds and as a breeding ground for fish.
- Ecology: Contains highly degraded mangrove patches with Avicennia species and remnants of Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests.
Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh)
- Constructed at the confluence of Tawa and Denwa rivers within the Satpura Tiger Reserve.
- Functions: Initially for irrigation, now also used for power generation and aquaculture.
- Area: Submergence area of 20,050 hectares, catchment area of 598,290 hectares.
- Ecology: Critical habitat for aquatic flora, fauna, and a variety of bird species.
- Significance: Forms part of the largest protected area in Madhya Pradesh, rich in ecological, archaeological, and historical features.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What are the three new Ramsar sites added in India?
The three new Ramsar sites are Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary, and Tawa Reservoir.
How many Ramsar sites are there in India now?
With the addition of three new sites, India now has 85 Ramsar sites.
Why is Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary significant?
Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary is crucial for migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway and serves as a breeding ground for fish.
What is a Ramsar site?
A Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, focused on conserving and sustainably utilizing wetlands.