NAGI AND NAKTI BIRD SANCTUARIES DESIGNATED AS RAMSAR SITES
WHAT ARE RAMSAR SITES?
Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, which aims to conserve and use wetlands wisely.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NAGI AND NAKTI SANCTUARIES?
The Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries, located in the Jhajha forest range of Jamui district in Bihar, have been recognized for their ecological importance and biodiversity, particularly as habitats for migratory birds.
HOW MANY RAMSAR SITES DOES INDIA HAVE NOW?
With the inclusion of Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries, India now has 82 Ramsar Sites, making it joint third with China in the global tally.
WHY ARE THESE SANCTUARIES IMPORTANT?
• Nakti Bird Sanctuary: Developed for irrigation through the Nakti dam, it became a sanctuary in 1984 and is a crucial wintering habitat for migratory birds, hosting over 20,000 birds, including large congregations of red-crested pochards.
• Nagi Bird Sanctuary: Formed by damming the Nagi river, it supports over 75 bird species, 33 fish species, and 12 aquatic plants, with significant populations of bar-headed geese.
WHAT ROLE DO WETLANDS PLAY?
Wetlands are essential for the hydrological cycle, flood control, water supply, and providing food, fiber, and raw materials. They are crucial ecosystems that support biodiversity and environmental balance.
WHAT IS THE RAMSAR CONVENTION?
Adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, the Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It has 172 member countries, including India.
HOW HAS INDIA’S RAMSAR SITE COUNT CHANGED?
In the past ten years, India’s number of Ramsar Sites has increased from 26 to 82, with 40 sites added in the last three years alone, reflecting the country’s commitment to wetland conservation.
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