TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: Two wetlands in Bihar, the Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries, have been added to the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance.
EXPLANATION:
- This recognition highlights their significance in biodiversity conservation and habitat for migratory birds, increasing the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 82.
Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries
- Both sanctuaries are situated in Bihar’s Jamui district within the Jhajha forest range.
- These man-made reservoirs are surrounded by dry deciduous forests and hills, making them unique ecosystems.
- Nagi Bird Sanctuary
- Formation: Created by damming the Nagi River.
- Biodiversity: The wetland supports over 75 bird species, 33 fish species, and 12 types of aquatic plants.
- Migratory Birds: Known for hosting large congregations of bar-headed geese (Anser indicus) during migration periods.
- Local and International Recognition: Designated as a Bird Sanctuary in 1984 and recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
- Nakti Bird Sanctuary
- Formation: Developed primarily for irrigation through the construction of Nakti Dam.
- Biodiversity: Home to over 150 species, including birds, mammals, fish, aquatic plants, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Endangered Species: Provides habitat for the endangered Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) and the vulnerable native catfish (Wallago attu).
- Migratory Birds: Hosts over 20,000 birds during winter months, including one of the largest congregations of red-crested pochard (Netta rufina) on the Indo-Gangetic plain.
- Local Recognition: Declared a Bird Sanctuary in 1984.
Conservation Efforts
- The Ramsar designation for Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries will bolster conservation efforts by:
- Enhancing protection measures for habitats and species.
- Promoting sustainable use of wetland resources.
- Raising awareness about the ecological importance of these wetlands.
Biodiversity Significance
- These wetlands are crucial for the survival of various species, particularly migratory birds.
- They provide feeding and breeding grounds, thereby maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.
Ramsar Sites:
- Any wetland site which has been listed under the Ramsar Convention that aims to conserve it and promote sustainable use of its natural resources is called a Ramsar Site.
- Ramsar Convention is known as the Convention of Wetlands.
- It was established in 1971 by UNESCO and came into force in 1975.
- India is a party to the Ramsar Convention. India signed under it on 1st February 1982.
- The Ramsar Convention works closely with six organizations known as International Organization Partners(IOPs).
- These are:
- Birdlife International
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
- Wetlands International
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
- International Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)