Free Courses Sale ends Soon, Get It Now


Kanwar lake

17th May, 2024

Kanwar lake

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement is not intended.

Context:

  • Kanwar Lake, Bihar’s only Ramsar site, faces the challenge of survival.

Kanwar lake

  • It is a rainfed lake, located in the Begusarai district of Bihar.
  • It is Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake. It's a rainfed lake that was formed by the meandering of the Gandak River, a tributary of the Ganges, and covers a large portion of the Indo-Gangetic plains in northern Bihar.
  • It is the first and only wetland in a state of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
  • Kanwar Lake has spread over 6,000-7,000 hectares.
  • It's home to 106 bird species, including the Oriental white-backed vulture and Long-billed vulture, and is an important stopover for 58 migratory waterbirds along the Central Asian Flyway.
  • In 1986, the state government notified it as a protected area. Later, the central government declared it as a sanctuary to stop the poaching of birds.
  • Five critically endangered species that inhabit the site, including three vultures, are –
    • The red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus),
    • White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and
    • Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) – and
  • Two waterbirds,
    • The sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) and
    • Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri).

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/kanwar-lake-bihar-s-only-ramsar-site-faces-challenge-of-survival-but-not-a-poll-issue-96172

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss the significance of tiger conservation in India. How has the decline in tiger population impacted the ecosystem and the economy? ( 250 words)