Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Biodiversity; Ecology; Environment
In news
Recently, Kabartal Wetland (Bihar) and Asan Conservation Reserve (Uttrakhand) have been designated as Ramsar sites.
Now, the total number of Ramsar sites in India is 39, the highest in South Asia.
Important value additions
Kabartal Wetland
It is also known as Kanwar Jheel.
Location: Begusarai, Bihar.
It acts as a vital flood buffer for the region.
It also provides livelihood opportunities to local communities.
It has significant biodiversity with 165 plant species, 394 animal species and 50 fish species.
58 migratory waterbirds use it to rest.
Five critically endangered species inhabit the site: (1) Red-headed vulture; (2) White-rumped vulture; (3) Indian vulture; (4) Sociable lapwing; (5) Baer’s pochard
Asan Conservation Reserve(ACR)
ACR is formed by the Asan River running down to its confluence with the Yamuna River in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
It is Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar Site.
These habitats support 330 bird species including the critically endangered red-headed vulture, white-rumped vulture and Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri).
49 fish species are also found including the endangered Putitora mahseer (Tor putitora).
Ramsar Site
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
Those wetlands which are of international importance are declared as Ramsar sites.
Mission: 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.
The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.
It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
At present, two wetlands of India are in Montreux Record: Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur).
Chilika Lake (Odisha) was placed in the record but later removed from it.
