Newly declared Ramsar sites

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister welcomed new Ramsar sites at Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand.

• Location – The new Ramsar sites are
  • Patna Bird Sanctuary – Etah district, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Chhari-Dhand – Kutch district, Gujarat.
• Key Highlights –
• Both wetlands are vital habitats for migratory and native species.
• India’s Ramsar network expanded from 26 (2014) to 98 (2026), an increase of over 276%.
• India has the highest number of Ramsar sites among Asian countries.
• Patna Bird Sanctuary – Habitat – A wetland bird sanctuary with a lake ecosystem.
• During summers, the lake is covered with macrophytic vegetation such as water hyacinth and Potamogeton species.
• Biodiversity – Supports migratory and resident birds, including Pied mynas, herons, cormorants, ducks and geese;
• Important aquatic birds include Lesser Whistling Duck, Graylag Goose, Comb Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Indian Spot-billed Duck, Northern Shoveler and Northern Pintail.
• Significance – It is the smallest bird sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
• Chhari-Dhand – Population – Attracts numerous migratory birds every year during the monsoon and winter seasons.
• Habitat – Seasonal desert wetland located between the arid Banni grasslands and marshy salt flats of the Rann of Kutch.
• It becomes swampy during the monsoon and is fed by north-flowing rivers and surrounding hills.
• Biodiversity – Endangered species such as Dalmatian Pelican, Oriental Darter, Black-necked Stork and Indian Skimmer.
• It also supports chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes.
• Significance - Located at the interface of grasslands and salt flats.
• Rich biodiversity makes it a major bird-watching destination.

References

1. PIB | New Ramsar sites
2. TH| New Ramsar sites