abh ar Saur v o ol. 16(3), 2020 V Sar . am . N ulffia Beg ya M. Mane ©A. J ©Anoop Raj P ©Aksha ©M. Bubesh Guptha
on Wetland Ecosystems including Inland Wetlands
(A Centre of Excellence under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India) Anaikatty, Coimbatore - 641 108, Tamil Nadu on Wetland Ecosystems including Inland Wetlands
Vol. 16(3), 2020 ISSN: 0972-3153
Contents
Dr. Goldin Quadros Coordinator, ENVIS, SACON Page
1. Avifaunal diversity observed in the contaminated wetland of Thuraiyur Lake (Chinna Eri) in Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu 1-3
Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim 2. Addition of ten new Ramsar sites in India - a 2020 beginning 4-10
Views expressed in the articles of this newsletter are of the authors only.
From the Editors' Desk
We welcome original research and popular articles, reviews, reports, The year 2020 has been an eye opener towards several aspects of research highlights, notes, news, snippets, etc., related to the environment conservation, accentuated by Covid 19. The year thematic area of the ENVIS Resource Partner for publication in began with the designation 10 more additional wetlands as Ramsar ‘Sarovar Saurabh the ENVIS Newsletter on Wetland Ecosystems sites of International importance in the country. Keeping with the including Inland Wetlands’. commitment and taking advantage of the pandemic situation the Wetland Division of MoEFCC used the work from home The articles and other information should be neatly typed in double atmosphere to build the National database on Wetlands. The space not exceeding five pages. The figures, graphs/drawings should ministry aims to assess the health status of at least 1000 wetlands be of good quality and clarity. Photographs should be of minimum from the country which could be prioritized for conservation. 300 dpi resolution. References should be limited and cited in the text Understanding and knowledge of wildlife has got prominence in the by name and year. Council of Science editors style may be referred to recent days with improved access to technology. Making use of the for listing references at the end. same, SACON has organized some online competitions and Email your articles in MS-Word 2007 or 2010 format to education material to reach out to the society; the response received [email protected] or [email protected] has been encouraging. In this issue we are sharing information on the 10 new Ramsar sites as well as an article on lesser known wetland that could contribute to the national database. Send the articles in hard copy by post to: I request all the readers to kindly contribute your events, activities, articles and keep us updated on the happenings of the wetlands The ENVIS Co-ordinator, around you. Your inputs will help us keep our website updated and ENVIS Resource Partner, also help disseminate the information to the masses. Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore - 641108. Tamil Nadu Editor Ph: 0422-2203100, 129 Website: www.saconenvis.nic.in; www.sacon.in Avifaunal diversity observed in the contaminated wetland of Thuraiyur Lake (Chinna Eri) in Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu G. Lakshmanan, T. Siva*, A. Muthusamy and P. Neelanarayanan Department of Zoology, Nehru Memorial College (Autonomous), Puthanampatti – 621 007, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu
Introduction on a wetland in a semi-urban landscape of Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu. The Ramsar Convention defines Wetlands as 'areas of marsh, ponds and swamps, whether Materials and Methods natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, Study area with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salty, including areas of marine The Present study was conducted in Thuraiyur water, the depth of which at low tide does not Lake (Chinna Eri) (Latitude 11° 8'49.78"N and exceed six meters'. Waterbodies are important Longitude 78°35'34.66"E) situated in resources for human society and used for Thuraiyur town of Thuraiyur Taluk of drinking, irrigation for agricultural activity, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu (Figure 1). power generation, fisheries, recreation, The total study area of the lake is 12.3 hectares at sediment control, flood prevention and other an elevation of 138 m above the sea level. The uses. Wetlands are also important for birds, as freshwater lake receives water from Thuraiyur migratory and non-migratory birds depend on big lake located one kilometer north and from the wetland habitat and biodiversity. Wetlands natural rainwater. The lake also receives sewage are crucial for wetland birds that need the water from surrounding urban settlements. habitats for their survival influencing their Avifauna was observed during January 2019 to foraging activity and nesting sites. May 2019 for a period of five months. The Chinna eri is surrounded by agricultural fields on The wetlands are lands transitional between one side and human settlements on the other terrestrial and aquatic system where the water side. The wetland water quality is highly table is usually at or near the surface, or the land influenced by influx of municipal sewage that is covered by shallow water (Cowardin et al., maintains the water level throughout the year. 1979). The direct and indirect human The wetland faces frequent concerns of interferences has led to the loss of wetland encroachment and solid waste dumping. habitats and decline in many water bird populations. It is essential to understand the causes of decline in populations and to control the changes or prevent the loss of key components of the biodiversity in wetland habitats. Suburban areas represent a middle habitat condition between natural and urban environment which has an ideal potential for sustaining varied avian communities (DeGraff and Wentworth, 1986). Water pollution is one of the major issue of urban wetlands in India due to waste disposal of human activities. In this article Figure 1. Location of the Thuraiyur Lake (Chinna Eri) we attempt to document the avifauna dependent
SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.16(3), 2020. ISSN: 0972-3153 1 Methods dominated the wetland which we attribute to the increased solid waste and pollution load Birds were observed from January 2019 to May corroborating the observations made by Sudha 2019 for a period of five months following line and Sangeetha (2017). We also noticed that the transect method during early morning 7:00 am to wetland had high aggregation of plastic waste 10:00 am as the bird activity was high during this adding to the pollution load and reducing the time of the day (Bibby et al., 1998). During the habitat suitability. field visit photos were taken using Nikon D3300 with zoom lens 55 – 500 mm. Binocular (Olympus 10 x 50) was used to record the observations from the distance in order to avoid any disturbance to birds. The avifauna was identified in the field using Grimmett et al. (2011) and the check list (Table 1) was prepared. The list was categorized as per the IUCN Red list, feeding habits and migratory status. Results and Discussion In total, 64 bird species were observed which Figure 2. Monthly variations in the bird orders belong to 16 orders and 39 families (Table 1). The observed in the wetland abundance and diversity of terrestrial bird was It is important to understand the significance of more as compared to wetland birds. The wetlands to wildlife and human and generate maximum bird species were recorded from the awareness among the stakeholders to promote order of Passerifor mes (45.31%) and conservation of the wetland. Wetland rules 2017 Charadirifor mes (12.5%), followed by encourages the formation of District wetland Anseriformes (6.25%), Pelecaniformes (6.25%), authorities and local governance in taking Gruiformes (6.25%), Cuculiformes (4.69 %), responsibility to protect wetlands. The present Galliformes (3.13 %) and Suliformes (3.13 %) paper adds to the knowledge base of Chinna eri (Figure 2). The orders Podicipediformes, and can facilitate the managers in conservation Ciconiiformes, Columbiformes, Psittaciformes, action. Cuculiformes, Strigiformes, Apodiformes, References Coraciiformes and Piciformes were each Bibby, C., Jones, M. and Marsden, S. (1998) Expedition represented by single species. As per the IUCN Field Techniques: Bird Surveys. Royal Geographical Red list all the 64 birds were Least Concern Society, London. species. The wetland has 13 migratory birds that include two local migrants. Among the migratory Cowrdin, L. M., Carter, V., Golet, F. C. and Laroe, E. T. birds eight are wetland birds and five terrestrial (1979) Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States, U.S. Fish and Wildlife migratory birds. Maximum of 12 migratory Service, Washington, DC. species were observed in January 2019 that reduced to four up to May 2019. DeGraff, R. M. and Wentworth, J. M. (1986) Avian guild structure and habitat associations in sub urban bird The birds sighted were categorized into eight communities, Urban Ecology. (9), 399-412. types on the basis of their feeding habits, ie., Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. (2011) Birds Insectivorous (39.06%), Carnivorous (14.06%), of Indian Subcontinent. Princeton University Press, Omnivorous (29.69%), Granivorous (6.25%), India. pp.528. Piscivorous (3.13%), Frugivorous (3.13%), Sudha, R and Sangeetha, T. (2017) Comparative study Nectorivorous (3.13%) and Molluscivorous of water quality parameters of lake water (Chinna (1.56%). From the avifaunal observations it was Eri) with surrounding bore well water samples, evident that the wetland provides habitat to a Thuraiyur (Tk), Tiruchirappalli (Dt), Tamil Nadu. diversity of birds both residents and migrants. Int. J. Curr. Res. Chem. Pharm. Sci. 4(7): 14-18. During our study we recorded the terrestrial birds
2 SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.16(3), 2020. ISSN: 0972-3153
Table. 1. Avifaunal checklist of Thuraiyur Lake (Chinna Eri)
S. Food Jan Feb Mar Apr May Order Family Common name Scientific Name Status No Habit 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 1 Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus RE O - - + - - Galliformes Phasianidae 2 Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus RE O + + + + + Lesser Whistling-Duck 3 Dendrocygna javanica RE O + - - + - 4 Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha RE O + + + + + Anseriformes Anatidae 5 Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata WM O + + - - - 6 Garganey Anas querquedula WM O + + - - - 7 Podicipediformes Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis RE C - - + + - 8 Ciconiiformes Ciconiidae Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans LM M + - - - - 9 Threskiornithidae Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus LM C + - - - - 10 Little Egret Egretta garzetta RE C + + + - - Pelecaniformes 11 Ardeidae Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis RE I + + + + + 12 Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii RE C + + + + + 13 Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger RE P + - - + + Suliformes Phalacrocoracidae 14 Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis RE P + - - - - White-breasted Waterhen + + + 15 Amaurornis phoenicurus RE O - - 16 Grey-headed Swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus RE O + + + + + Gruiformes Rallidae 17 Eurasian Moorhen Gallinula chloropus RE O + + + + + Eurasian Coot + + + + + 18 Fulica atra RE O 19 Jacanidae Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus RE I + - - + - 20 Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus RE I + - + - - 21 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus RE I + + + + + Charadriidae Little Ringed Plover 22 Charadriiformes Charadrius dubius RE I - - - + - 23 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos WM C + + + + + 24 Wood Sandpiper WM O + - - - + Scolopacidae Tringa glareola 25 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus WM C + - - - -
26 Little Stint Calidris minuta WM I - + - + + Rock Pigeon (Feral + 27 Columbiformes Columbidae RE G - - + - Pigeon) Columba livia 28 Psittaciformes Psttiaculidae Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri RE G + + + + + 29 Asian Koel RE O + + + + + Eudynamys scolopaceus 30 Cuculiformes Cuculidae Blue-faced Malkoha Rhopodytes viridirostris RE C + - - - - 31 RE O + + + + Southern Coucal Centropus sinensis parroti 32 Strigiformes Strigidae Spotted Owlet Athene brama RE C - - - - 33 Apodiformes Apodidae Asian Palm-Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis RE I + - - - - Indian Roller + + 37 Coraciiformes Coraciidae Coracias benghalensis RE I - - - 34 Piciformes Megalaimidae Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala RE F + + - + - White-throated + + + + 35 Alcedinidae RE C - Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis 36 Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis RE I - - + - - Meropidae 38 Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus WM I + - + - - Common W oodshrike Tephrodornis + 39 Vangidae RE I - - - - pondicerianus 40 Laniidae Bay -backed Shrike Lanius vittatus WM I + - - - - Black Drongo + + + 41 Dicruridae Dicrurus macrocercus RE I - - 42 Oriolidae Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo RE O - - - + - 43 House Crow Corvus splendens RE O + + + + + Corvidae Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos + + + + + 44 RE O culminatus
45 Hirundinidae Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica WM I + + + + + 46 Alaudidae Jerdon's Bushlark Mirafra affinis RE I - - + + 47 Red Vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer RE I - + - + - Pycnonotidae 48 Passeriformes White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus RE F - + - - - 49 Plain Prinia Prinia inornata RE I - + + + - Cisticolidae 50 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius RE I + - + + + 51 Acrocephalidae Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum WM I + - - - - 52 Leiothrichidae Yellow-billed Babbler Turdoides affinis RE I + + + - + 53 Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum RE O - + - - - Sturnidae 54 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis RE O + + + + + 55 Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus RE I - + + + - 56 Muscicapidae Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata RE I + - - + + 57 Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica WM I - + - - - 58 Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica RE N + - + - + Nectariniidae 59 Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus RE N - + - + + 60 Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus RE G - + - + + Baya Weaver + 61 Ploceidae Ploceus philippinus RE O - - - - 62 Estrildidae Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata RE G - - + - + 63 White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis RE I - - + - - Motacillidae 64 Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus RE I - + - + - Total 42 35 33 35 29 Status = RE – Resident, LM – Local Migrant, WM – Winter Migrant Food Habit = O – Omnivorous, C – Carniv orous, I – Insectivorous, P – Piscivorous, M – Mollusci vorous, F – Frugi vorous, N – Nectivorous, G - Granivorous; (√)= Birds are Observed, (-) = Birds are Absent
SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.16(3), 2020. ISSN: 0972-3153 3
Addition of ten new Ramsar sites in India - a 2020 beginning
Ramsar Convention The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It is also known as the Convention on Wetlands named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the Convention was signed in 1971. The Convention's mission is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”. Ramsar sites in India On 28 January 2020, the MoEFCC, Govt. of India designated 10 more wetlands form three sates under Ramsar convention having internatnal importance, bringing the total to 37 Ramsar sies of international importance. The convention entered into force in India on 1 February 1982. India currently has 37 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 1,067,939 hectares. Chilika Lake (Orissa) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) were recognized as the first Ramsar Sites of India. Given below is an attempt to collate some available information on the 10 new Ramsar sites.
4 SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.16(3), 2020. ISSN: 0972-3153 Nandur Madhameshwar, Maharashtra Site number: 2410 Nandur Madhameshwar, located 40 km away from Nashik town Area: 1,437 ha (Maharastra) is a mosaic of marshes, intermittent pools and riparian forests Designation date: 21‐06‐2019 Coordinates: 20°01'N 74°06'E on the Deccan Plateau. The diverse habitats contrast with the surrounding Designation Criteria: 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 semi-arid conditions caused by the rain shadow of the Western Ghats Protection status: mountain range. Nandur Madhameshwsr fulfils up to the seven out of nine Wildlife Sanctuary criteria set for recognition by the Ramsar Convention.
The RSIS has listed 536 species of aquatic and terrestrial plants, Species of eight mammal species, 265 bird species, 24 fresh water fish species conservation importance and 41 butterfly species. It Threats Endangered supports migratory birds Human settlements (non agricultural) Spotted Pond Turtle, species by ser ving as a Black‐bellied Tern Agriculture and aquaculture wintering and stopover site and Vulnerable Pollution Common Pochard, Woolly‐necked as breeding site for resident Recreational and tourism activities Stork, Sarus Crane, Greater spotted Vegetation clearance/ land conversion birds. Eagle, Indian Softshell Turtle, Invasive non‐native/ alien species Common Carp
Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve, Punjab
Site number: 2414 The Keshopur wetlands also known as Keshopur-Miani Area: 343.9 ha Community Reserve or 'Chhamb' in Punjabi, is one of Asia's Designation date: 26‐09‐2019 biggest wetlands. It is located in Gurdaspur district right in the Coordinates: 32°05'N 75°23'E middle of the Ravi and Beas rivers. It is the only major natural Designation Criteria: 2,5 wetland in the State and was declared as country's first notified Protection status: Community Reserve community reserve following a Punjab Government Notification on June 25, 2007. By co-opting local village panchayats for the conservation of this bird habitat, the Keshopur Community Reserve holds the distinction of being the first of its kind in India. Keshopur Chhamb was renamed Keshopur Chhamb Community Reserve in March 2013 after the wildlife department decided to develop it as a bird sanctuary. The Reserve is a mosaic of natural marshes, aquaculture ponds and agricultural wetlands maintained by the annual rainfall runoff. It is heavily human-influenced, and includes a series of managed fishponds and cultivated crops such lotus and chestnut. The wetland blooms with lotus during the summer months of May, June giving it a status of round the year tourism attraction centre. Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve cum wetland regularly supports more than 20,000 waterbirds. It is the only habitat for Sarus and common Cranes in Punjab and hosts large number of resident and migratory birds both during summer and winter seasons. The RSIS has a list with 344 species of plants recorded in the area. Species of In this way, the Site is an conservation importance Threats example of wise use of a Pollution Critically Endangered Invasive non‐native/ alien species c o m m u n i t y - m a n a g e d White‐rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture, Natural system modifications wetland, which provides Deolali Minnow Human intrusions and disturbance f o o d f o r p e o p l e a n d Endangered H u m a n s e tt l e m e n t s ( n o n ‐ supports local biodiversity. agricultural) Vulnerable Common Pochard, Bristled Grassbird, Woolly‐necked Stork, Shalyni Barb
SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.16(3), 2020. ISSN: 0972-3153 5 Beas Conservation Reserve, Punjab
Site number: 2408 The Beas Conservation Reserve comprises of 185-kilometre Area: 6,428.9 ha stretch of the Beas River located primarily in the north-west of the State of Punjab. The River meanders down from the Himalayan Designation date: 26‐09‐2019 foothills to the Harike Headworks, where its course is diverted into Coordinates: 31°23'N 75°11'E a number of channels. The River is dotted with islands, sand bars Designation Criteria: 2,7 and braided channels creating a complex environment supporting Protection status: Conservation Reserve substantial biodiversity. In 2017, Beas became the first Species of river in the country to be declared as a conservation reserve. conservation importance In 2019, the state wildlife board decided to declare the river as a Critically Endangered 'Heritage River' which is home to the Indus Dolphins, one of the Gharial Endangered most endangered mammalian species in the world. Indus River Dolphin, Spotted The presence of dolphins is an indication of the health of the Pond Turtle, Hog Deer, Beas ecosystem which is also home to other rare species like the Mahseer, Pabdah Catfish Vulnerable Fishing Cat and vulnerable Smooth-coated Indian Otter. The Common Pochard, Woolly‐necked river is also home to over 500 species of birds, over 90 kinds of Stork, Crowned River Threats fish, 6 species of freshwater Turtle, Smooth‐coated Otter, Human settlements (non turtles and Gharials, a fish- Indian Softshell Turtle, Common Carp, Wallago Catfish agricultural) eating crocodile that had Agriculture and aquaculture become locally extinct in the Human intrusions and disturbance 1980s, that were added to this river ecosystem. Invasive non‐native/ alien species
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary, Punjab Site number: 2407 Area: 116 ha Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary is a human-made reservoir, which came Designation date: 26‐09‐2019 into existence as a result of the Bhakra-Nangal Project in 1961. It is located at a distance of about 100 km from Chandigarh in Punjab in Coordinates: 31°23'N 76°22'E northwest India. The surrounding forests are rich in wildlife as it is Designation Criteria: 2,3 situated in the highly eco-sensitive Shiwalik foothills and the presence Protection status: Wildlife Sanctuary of the reservoir has attracted several resident as well as migratory birds, making it a vibrant wetland. More than 150,000 people of the surrounding villages directly benefit from the ecosystem services provided by the wetland and nearly half a million downstream are indirectly benefitted.
Species of Recognizing the ecological significance of the wetland, the conservation importance Government of Punjab declared the wetland as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2009. Endangered Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Egyptian The Sanctuary has abundant flora and fauna. It supports 55 species Vulture, Black‐bellied Tern, of waterbirds both in summer and winter. It provides important Hog Deer, Indian Pangolin, feeding and nesting areas for a wide range of resident waterbirds. It is Golden Mahseer home to several threatened species such as Threats Vulnerable the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) Pollution (Sewage inflow Common Pochard, Leopard, and Eg yptian vulture (Neophr on and garbage dumping) Wallago Catfish, Burmese Python percnopterus) and the Leopard (Panthera Tourism pressure pardus). 6 SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.16(3), 2020. ISSN: 0972-3153 The RSIS has a list of several threatened species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish recorded in the Sanctuary. Nawabganj Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh Site number: 2412 Also known as Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, is blessed Area: 224.6 ha with affluent nature and exquisite wildlife got its recognition as a Designation date: 19‐09‐2019 Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1984. It Species of global Coordinates: 26°36'N 80°39'E is situated in Hasanganj tehsil of conservation significance Designation Criteria: 2,3,4,5,6 Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh.. Protection status: Bird Sanctuary Monsoon rains feed this diverse Endangered wetland while the Sarda Canal which Palla’s fish eagle, Egyptian Vulture is a permanent water source for Vulnerable wildlife supplies additional water. Greater Spotted Eagle, Common Pochard, Woolly‐necked Stork, Threats It is a haven for birds, with 25,000 Lesser Adjutant ©BCCLCanaliz 2020ation waterbirds regularly recorded and 220 Siltation resident and migratory bird species. Pollution Invasive species Furthermore, this popular Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh also serves as the dwelling land of mammals, reptiles and endemic fish species. Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Site number: 2416 Tarabganj Tehsil, at a distance of about 40 km from Gonda District at Area: 722 ha Mankapur-Nawabganj Road. The Sanctuary is a permanent freshwater Designation date: 02‐12‐2019 environment consisting of two oxbow lakes. It is one of the largest Coordinates: 26°56'N 82°09'E natural floodplain wetland in the state. These wetlands are characteristic Designation Criteria: 2,3,4,5,8 of Uttar Pradesh and offer exceptional habitats for waterbirds, Protection status: Bird Sanctuary providing both roosting and breeding sites. Species of global conservation significance The Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary is officially known as Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary and locally called Keetham lake which was declared Critically Endangered White‐rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture as National Bird Sanctuary in 1991 by state forest department. Endangered Keetham Lake is pentagonal in shape. There are artificially created Egyptian Vulture islands for shelter and breeding grounds for migratory birds. Vulnerable The Sanctuary is a refuge for some of India's threatened vulture Greater Spotted Eagle, Common species: the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture (Gyps Pochard, Woolly‐necked Stork, bengalensis) and Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus), and the endangered Sarus Crane Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus). ThreatsThreats The diverse habitat supports a variety of flora and fauna. Around 37 Pollution from agricultural run‐off Species of flora and 64 species of fauna have been recorded from Regime fragmentation through the Sanctuary. roads Invasive species & Tourism pressure
SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.16(3), 2020. ISSN: 0972-3153 7 Saman Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh Species of Saman Bird Sanctuary is located near conservation importance Site number: 2413 village Saman in Karhal tehsil of Endangered Area: 526.3 ha Mainpuri district in the state of Uttar Palla’s Fish Eagle, Egyptian Vulture Designation date: 02‐12‐2019 Pradesh. It is a seasonal oxbow lake on Vulnerable Coordinates: 27°00'N 79°10'E the Ganges floodplain. It is heavily Greater Spotted Eagle, Sarus Crane Designation Criteria: 2,3,4,5,6 reliant on the arrival of the south- Protection status: Bird Sanctuary Threats westerly monsoon in July and August, Human settlements (non‐ which provides the vast majority of agricultural) annual rainfall. Saman Sanctuary was notified in 1990 in order to Livestock farming and ranching protect the large population of Sarus Cranes in the area. Transportation and service corridors The Sanctuary is a hub of biodiversity and provides habitat for Recreational and tourism mammals and reptiles. activities Invasive non‐native/ alien species Samaspur Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh Agricultural and forestry
Salon wetland located in the Salon Site number: 2415 Species of global Area: 799.4 ha tehsil of Rae Bareily district was conservation significance Designation date: 03‐10‐2019 renamed as Samaspur Bird Coordinates: 25°59'N 81°23'E Sanctuary in 1987. The lake is 'S' Endangered Designation Criteria: 2,3,4,5,6,7 shaped, and comprises six small Palla’s Fish Eagle Protection status: Bird Sanctuary c o n n e c t e d l a k e s n a m e l y Vulnerable Greater Spotted Eagle, Samaspur, Mamani, Gorwa, Common Pochard, Sarus Crane Hasanpur, Hakganj and Rohania lakes. The seventh lake, Bissaiya is Threats close by but not connected with the main water body. It also forms a part of the Sanctuary. Agriculture and aquaculture Invasive non‐native/ alien species The Sanctuary is a hotspot of biological diversity having 149 Canalisation and river regulation species of higher plants, 46 species of fish, over 250 species of resident and migratory birds, several invertebrates such as molluscs, butterflies, both terrestrial and water snakes, turtles, frogs and higher vertebrates such as the blue bull. Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh Species of Sandi Bird sanctuary was created in the Site number: 2409 conservation importance Area: 308.5 ha year 1990 in order to protect the natural Vulnerable Designation date: 26‐09‐2019 habitats and aquatic vegetation for the Greater Spotted Eagle, Coordinates: 27°18'N 79°58'E local residents and migratory birds. The Sarus Crane Designation Criteria: 2,3,4,5,6,7 Sandi Bird Sanctuary is also known by Protection status: Bird Sanctuary its ancient name as “Dahar Jheel”. The Threats lake's area is 309 ha (3.09 km²). River Agriculture and aquaculture Garra, formerly known as Garun Ganga, passes near the Sanctuary. Human intrusions and disturbance The Sanctuary is located in the Bilgram tehsil of Hardoi district in Vegetation clearance/ land state of Uttar Pradesh. It is just 1 km from the Sandi town, 19 km conversion from city Hardoi and 129 km from Lucknow, the state capital. Invasive non‐native/ alien species Climate change and severe The Sanctuary is particularly rich in aquatic plants and sustains a weather
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number of faunal species including over 150 species of resident and migratory birds, around 16 species of fish, 3 species of amphibians, 15 species of reptiles, 4 species of mollusks, a number of species of butterflies and higher vertebrates. Sarsai Nawar Jheel, Uttar Pradesh
Site number: 2411 Sarsai Nawar is a vast and beautiful Species of Area: 161.3 ha wetland (it is an open form of fen) conservation importance Designation date: 19‐09‐2019 situated in Takha block of District Critically Endangered Coordinates: 26°58'N 79°15'E Etawah. This typical wetland of the Indo- White‐rumped Vulture Designation Criteria: 2,3,5,7,8 G a n g e t i c f l o o d p l a i n i s f e d by Endangered Protection status: Marsh precipitation run-off from the South Palla’s Fish Eagle Threats West monsoon rains. It is an example of Vulnerable Human settlements (non‐ co-habitation of humans and wildlife: Greater Spotted Eagle, Sarus agricultural) farming practices across most of the site Drainage crane, Woolly necked stork Invasive non‐native/ alien play important roles in sustaining the species waterbird habitats. Climate change and severe The wetland derives its name from Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) and is weather considered to be the roosting area of the largest flock of Sarus Crane.
Literature Sources: Bal, R and Dua. A (2010) Birds of Natural Wetlands of North-West Punjab, India. Our Nature. pp. 72-81. BirdLife International (2017) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Nandur Madhmeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 17/06/2017. Brraich, O.S. and Ladhar, S.S. (2005) “Fish biodiversity in the Wetlands of Punjab–A Field Guide” Published by Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, Chandigarh. ISBN : 81- 88362-11-5. CIFE (2011). Final Report Assessment of Riverine Fisheries and Linking With Water Quality Restoration P r o g r a m m e - R i v e r G o d a v a r i i n M a h a r a s h t r a . R e t r i e v e d f r o m thttp://mpcb.gov.in/images/pdf/RiverGodavari.pdf Fishes of Godavari River Basin (2017). Retrieved from http://www.fishbase.se/trophiceco/FishEcoList.php?ve_code=78 Gopi Sundar, K.S. (2006) "Flock Size, Density and Habitat Selection of Four Large Waterbirds Species in an Agricultural Landscape in Uttar Pradesh, India: Implications for Management,". Waterbirds. 29(3): 365- 374. Hassan, S. (2016) Ecological status of Keshopur Chhamb Miani Wetland (Community Reserves) at Distt- Gurdaspur (Punjab) India. International Journal of Engineering Technology Science and Research. Invasive Alien Species of India (2017). Retrieved from http://issg.org/database/species/search.asp?st=sss&sn=&rn=India&ri=19429&hci=-1&ei=- 1&fr=1&sts=&lang =EN Islam, M.Z. and Rahmani, A.R. (2008) Existing and Potential Ramsar Sites in India. Indian Bird Conservation Network, Bombay Natural History Society, BirdLife International, and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Oxford University Press, New Delhi. Pp 592. Jha, Kaushalendra (2015). Challenges in Sustainable Management of Wetland Based Sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh with Reference to Avian diversity. Birdlife International (2019).
SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.16(3), 2020. ISSN: 0972-3153 9 Kumar Adesh, Kanaujia Amita, Kushwaha Sonika and Kumar Akhilesh (2015) A biodiversity hub: Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, India. International Journal of Applied Biology and Pharmaceutical Technology 6(2): 273-288. Ladhar, S.S. and Brraich, O.S. (2005) “Biological diversity in wetlands of Punjab-A check list”. Published by Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, Chandigarh. ISBN: 81-88362-12-3 Migratory and Waterbirds relevant to Ramsar Convention in India (2017). Retrieved from http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST). 1994. Nangal Reservoir-The Lake of National Importance. Chandigarh: Punjab State Council for Science and Technology. Rahmani, A.R., Islam, M.Z. and Kasambe, R.M. (2016) Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas in India: Priority Sites for Conservation (Revised and updated). Bombay Natural History Society, Indian Bird Conservation Network, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and BirdLife International (U.K.). Pp. 1992 +xii. Rajasekar, D. and Jerath, N. (2008) Birds of Keshopur Wetland (A Field Guide). Chandigarh: Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, iii-vii, pp. 1-7. Rajasekar, D., Sharma, J. and Yogalakshami, J. (2008). Participatory Wildlife Conservation in Keshopur Chhamb Community Reserve (India's Ist) in Punjab-Past, Present and Future Management Strategies. Proceedings of Taal (2007) World Lake Conference. PP: 1247-53. Rodgers, W.A., H.S. Panwar and Vinod B. Mathur (2002). Wildlife Protected Area Network in India: A Review (Executive Summary), Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. pp.44. Singh, P. (2006). ''Perspectives in Plant Ecology and Environmental biology''. Jodhpur: Scientific Publishers. pp.375. Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971)- 2012 Revision (2012). Retrieved from http://archive.ramsar.org/pdf/cop11/res/cop11-res08-e-anx2.pdf The CITES Appendices (2017). Retrieved from https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php The CMS Appendices (2017). Retrieved from http://www.cms.int/en/page/appendix-i-ii-cms The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in India (2017). Retrieved from http://www.iucnredlist.org/search Wetlands International (2017). "Waterbird Population Estimates”. Retrieved from wpe.wetlands.org on Monday 5 Jun 2017 Internet Source: https://www.ramsar.org https://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/ramsarsites_criteria_eng.pdf http://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Ramsaar-Factsheets_2020-Final-8-May-2020.pdf https://sandrp.in/2018/01/17/punjab-wetlands-2017-ramsar-sites-under-severe-threats/ https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jan/28/beas-river-in-punjab-among-three-wetlands- picked-as-ramsar-sites-2095323.html
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