Keoladeo National Park | 08 Feb 2023

Why in News?

The Rajasthan Government has proposed to construct a zoo inside Keoladeo National Park, a World Heritage Site popularly known as Bharatpur bird sanctuary, to display a range of wetland species.

• The purpose of this zoo, called Wetland ex-situ Conservation Establishment (WESCE), is to display a range of wetland species, including rhinos, water buffaloes, crocodiles, dolphins and exotic species. 

What is the Purpose of WESCE?

• The WESCE aims to rejuvenate the biodiversity of Keoladeo National Park, thereby boosting its outstanding universal values.
• The WESCE plan is part of the ambitious Rajasthan Forestry and Biodiversity Development Project (RFBDP) for which Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the overseas development arm of the French government, has agreed to fund up to Rs 12 crore over eight years.
• Several facilities are planned inside Keoladeo National Park, including,
  • A breeding and reintroduction centre for locally extinct species (otters, fishing cats, blackbucks, hog deer, etc).
  • An aquarium for indigenous species like Gangetic Dolphin, crocodiles; enclosures for the display of large wetland species like Indian Rhino, Water Buffalo, Barasingha (swamp deer); etc.

What are the Key Points of Keoladeo National Park?

• About:
  • Keoladeo National Park is a wetland and bird sanctuary located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important bird-watching areas in the world.
    • Chilika Lake (Orissa) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) were recognized as the first Ramsar Sites of India in 1981.
    • Currently, Keoladeo National Park and Loktak Lake (Manipur) are in Montreux record.
  • It is known for its rich avian diversity and abundance of waterbirds. The park is home to over 365 species of birds, including several rare and threatened species, such as the Siberian crane. 
  • Different species from far-flung areas of the northern hemisphere visit the Sanctuary for breeding. The Siberian crane is one of the rare species that can be spotted here.
• Fauna: 
  • Animals such as Jackals, Sambar, Nilgai, wild cats, hyenas, wild boar, porcupine and mongoose can be found in the region.
• Flora: 
  • The principal vegetation types are tropical dry deciduous forest dominated by Acacia nilotica intermixed with dry grassland.
• River: 
  • Gambhir and Banganga are two rivers that flow through this National Park.

Source: IE