New Ramsar Sites in Bihar | 10 Jun 2024

Why in News?

According to the officials, two of Bihar’s wetlands have been added to the global list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

• This brings the total number of such wetlands in India to 82.

Key Points

• The Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries in Bihar's Jamui district are now part of the Ramsar Convention.
  • Both the bird sanctuaries are built on human-made wetlands primarily developed for irrigation through the construction of the Nakti Dam.
  • Both sanctuaries were designated as Bird Sanctuaries in 1984 due to their importance as wintering habitats for migratory species.
  • This includes one of the largest congregations of red-crested pochard (Netta rufina) and bar-headed geese (Anser indicus) on the Indo-Gangetic plain.
  • The catchment area features dry deciduous forests surrounded by hills.
• Flora and Fauna:
  • These wetlands provide habitats for over 150 species of birds, mammals, fish, aquatic plants, reptiles, and amphibians.
  • They host globally threatened species such as the endangered Indian elephant and the vulnerable native catfish.
  • According to the Asiatic Waterbird Census 2023, the Nakti Bird Sanctuary reported 7,844 birds, the highest in the survey, followed by the Nagi Bird Sanctuary with 6,938 birds.
• These sites were declared as Wetlands of International importance on the occasion of World Environment Day on 5th June.