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Type: National Parks/WS

  • Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi

    Why in the News?

    The Tamil Nadu government has officially notified a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district.

    Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi

    What is a Bird Sanctuary?

    • India’s bird sanctuaries are established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA).
    • Section 18 of the WLPA empowers State governments to declare wildlife or bird sanctuaries based on ecological or zoological importance.
    • The law prohibits hunting of protected birds and prescribes penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment.

    About Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus):

    • Overview: It is the largest and most widespread flamingo species, found across Africa, southern Europe, and South and Southeast Asia, including India and Pakistan.
    • Presence in India: India hosts both Greater and Lesser Flamingos. Greater Flamingo is the state bird of Gujarat.
    • Behaviour and Diet: These birds form monogamous pairs and get their pink coloration from a diet rich in brine shrimp and algae. They are omnivores, feeding on invertebrates, small fish, algae, and decaying plant matter.
    • Habitat: They prefer saltwater lagoons, mudflats, and saline lakes, and are important indicators of wetland health.
    • Migration Pattern: Every year, 100,000–150,000 flamingos migrate from Gujarat to Mumbai, typically arriving in November and settling in the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.
    • Migration Triggers: Their movement depends on food availability, water levels, and colony crowding.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC) (species is widespread and abundant)
      • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II (protected but with lesser penalties than Schedule I)
      • CMS (Convention on Migratory Species): Appendix II (species need international cooperation for conservation)
      • CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): Appendix II (trade is regulated to avoid overexploitation)

    About the Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi:

    • Location: The sanctuary lies in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, spanning 524.7 hectares in Rameshwaram taluk.
    • Habitat: It includes mangroves, sand dunes, mudflats, and marshes, supporting migratory birds, marine life, and sea turtles.
    • Flyway Connection: The site falls along the Central Asian Flyway, a key route for wetland migratory birds.
    • Bird Census: The 2023–24 wetland bird survey recorded over 10,700 birds, including herons, egrets, sandpipers, and both flamingo species.
    • Ecological Importance: Mangrove species like Avicennia and Rhizophora dominate the area, offering breeding grounds and coastal protection.
    [UPSC 2015] With reference to an organization known as ‘BirdLife International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    (1) It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations. (2) The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization. (3) It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only * (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • Two New Ramsar Sites in Rajasthan

    Why in the News?

    India has added two new wetlands—Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, both located in Rajasthan—to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. With these additions, India’s total number of Ramsar sites has reached 91.

    Khichan and Menar Wetlands:  

    • Khichan (Phalodi District):
      • It is internationally famous for hosting thousands of migratory Demoiselle cranes, making it a major birdwatching destination.
      • The wetland supports biodiversity, acting as a crucial habitat for migratory birds and maintaining ecological balance.
    • Menar (near Udaipur):
      • It is known as Rajasthan’s “Bird Village”, celebrated for its community-led conservation efforts.
      • It hosts rare birds like the cinereous vulture, Himalayan griffon, Dalmatian pelican, and black-tailed godwit.

    About the Ramsar Convention:

    • It is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
    • It was established on February 2, 1971, in the city of Ramsar, Iran.
    • The convention focuses on:
      • Identifying and designating wetlands of global importance.
      • Ensuring effective management of these wetlands.
      • Promoting international cooperation for wetland protection.
    • India and the Ramsar Convention:
      • India became a signatory in 1982.
      • The first Site in India was Chilika Lake in Odisha, designated in 1981.
      • As of now, India has 91 Ramsar sites, covering around 13.58 lakh hectares.
      • Wetlands listed under Ramsar make up about 10% of India’s total wetland area.
      • Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites (20), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).

    9 Criteria for Declaring Ramsar Sites:

    A wetland can be declared a Ramsar Site by a signatory country if it meets one or more of the following criteria:

    1. It has unique, rare, or representative wetland types.
    2. It supports vulnerable, endangered, or endemic species.
    3. It is a habitat for waterfowl, especially during migration.
    4. It holds significant ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological features.
    5. It supports scientific research and promotes biodiversity conservation.
    6. It provides ecosystem services like flood control, water purification, and groundwater recharge.
    7. It has cultural, spiritual, or recreational value.
    8. It supports sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
    9. It faces threats requiring international cooperation for conservation.

    Other Key Facts:

    • 171 countries are currently part of the Ramsar Convention.
    • The United Kingdom has the highest number of Ramsar sites (175); Mexico follows with 142 sites.
    • Bolivia has the largest wetland area under protection, covering 148,000 sq. km.
    • World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2, to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention and raise awareness about the importance of wetlands.
    • The Montreux Record is a list of Ramsar sites that require urgent conservation attention due to human-induced threats.

     

    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following pairs:

    Wetland/Lake Location

    1. Hokera Wetland — Punjab

    2. Renuka Wetland — Himachal Pradesh

    3. Rudrasagar Lake — Tripura

    4. Sasthamkotta Lake — Tamil Nadu

    How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

    Options: (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs* (c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs.

     

  • In news: Valley of Flowers National Park

    Why in the News?

    The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand opened to tourists on June 1 for its annual four-month window.

    Valley of Flowers National Park

    About the Valley of Flowers National Park:

    • Location: The park is in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
    • Altitude and Size: It covers 87 square kilometres and lies at 3,352 to 3,658 metres above sea level.
    • Protected Status: Declared a National Park in 1980 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
    • Natural Features: Known for its colourful meadows, dense forests, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains.
    • Mountain Range: Lies in the transition zone between the Zanskar and Great Himalaya ranges.
    • River System: The Pushpawati River, from the Tipra Glacier, flows through the valley into the Alaknanda River.
    • Ecosystem: It is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, which was named a UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve in 2004.

    Flora and Fauna of the Valley:

    • Plant Diversity: The valley has over 520–650 species of flowers like orchids, primulas, poppies, daisies, and the sacred brahmakamal.
    • Flora by Altitude Zones:
      1. Sub-alpine (3,200–3,500 m): Trees like maple, fir, birch, and rhododendron.
      2. Lower alpine (3,500–3,700 m): Shrubs like junipers, willows, and geraniums.
      3. Higher alpine (above 3,700 m): Mosses, lichens, and the blue Himalayan poppy.
    • Animal Life: Includes rare species like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and the Himalayan monal bird.
    [UPSC 2019] Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?

    Options: (a) Manas National Park (b) Namdapha National Park (c) Neora Valley National Park (d) Valley of Flowers National Park*

     

  • Jharkhand to set up its first Tiger Safari near Palamau TR

    Why in the News?

    The Jharkhand government has announced to establish its first tiger safari in the fringe area of the Barwadih Western Forest Range in Latehar district, which is part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR).

    What is a Tiger Safari?

    • About: A tiger safari is a tourist activity where visitors observe tigers in natural-like habitats, usually around tiger reserves.
    • Legal Status: The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 does NOT define tiger safaris but restricts construction in protected areas unless approved by the National Board for Wildlife.
    • Policy Origin: The idea was formally introduced in 2012 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under its tourism guidelines.
    • Rules on Tiger Inclusion (2016): Initially, safaris were allowed only in buffer or fringe zones and could host rescued or conflict tigers, not zoo-bred ones.
    • Amended Rules (2019): The NTCA later allowed even zoo-bred tigers, with Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in charge of animal welfare.
    • Supreme Court Ruling (2024): The court ordered that safaris must be built outside core and buffer zones to protect wild habitats.

    About Jharkhand’s Tiger Safari Project:

    • Location: Planned in the Barwadih Western Range, outside core and buffer zones of Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR), in line with the Supreme Court’s order.
    • Animal Inclusion: Will house only rescued, injured, or orphaned tigers from various reserves and zoos — not wild tigers from PTR.
    • Tourism and Employment: The project aims to boost tourism and create jobs for around 200 locals as guides and staff.
    • Approval Process: The plan is still in early stages. After state Forest Department approval, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will go to NTCA and CZA.

    Back2Basics: Palamu Tiger Reserve

    • It is located in Jharkhand’s Latehar and Garhwa districts, is one of India’s oldest tiger reserves, established under Project Tiger in 1973.
    • Spanning over 1,014 sq. km, it features a diverse landscape of valleys, hills, plains and is nourished by rivers like the North Koel, Auranga, and Burha.
    • The reserve is rich in moist and dry deciduous forests, dominated by Sal and bamboo.
    • It is home to key wildlife species, including tigers, Asiatic elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.

     

    [UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

    Options: (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam* (d) Sunderbans

     

  • In news: Haji Pir Pass

    Why in the News?

    The recent Pahalgam terror attack has revived debates on India’s 1966 decision to surrender the Haji Pir Pass to Pakistan during Tashkent Agreement of 1966.

    This move is compared to the Soviet Union’s 1954 transfer of Crimea, which created lasting security challenges.

    About Haji Pir Pass:

    • The Haji Pir Pass is located in the Pir Panjal Range of Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of 2,637 meters (8,652 feet).
    • It connects Poonch in India to Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
    • Historically, it was a vital route for connecting Jammu to the Kashmir Valley before 1947, making it an essential part of India’s transportation network.
    • Post-partition, it became part of PoK and, during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, India recaptured it under Operation Bakshi.
    • However, it was returned to Pakistan following the Tashkent Agreement in 1966, a decision criticized by many experts.

    How Haji Pir Pass is a Chokepoint?

    • Strategic Military Route: The pass provides Pakistan with the ability to control and monitor the Kashmir Valley from a high-altitude position, serving as a key route for military logistics and infiltration.
    • Gateway for Infiltration: Historically, it has been used for militant infiltration into India, fuelling insurgency and instability in Kashmir.
    • Shortened Military Access: Retaining the pass would have reduced the distance between Poonch and Uri from 282 km to 56 km, improving India’s military logistics and rapid deployment.
    • Control over Key Terrain: Controlling the pass enables domination of the surrounding hills, limiting Pakistan’s ability to sustain military pressure and infiltration.
    [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened around in the middle of the year 2006 to facilitate trade between India and China?

    (a) Chang La (b) Jara La (c) Nathu La* (d) Shipki La

     

  • Sariska TR’s Critical Tiger Habitat to grow by 4.5k Hectares

    Why in the News?

    The Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) in Rajasthan is set to expand by approximately 4,500 hectares.

    What is Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH)?

    • CTHs are designated under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 1972, to conserve tiger populations, keeping areas inviolate for tiger conservation.
    • The core areas of tiger reserves, where human activities are prohibited, serve as Critical Tiger Habitats.
    • Surrounding buffer zones allow sustainable human activities like eco-tourism and regulated resource use, supporting conservation efforts.
    • These areas are scientifically identified based on studies of tiger movement, breeding patterns, and environmental needs, ensuring long-term survival and ecological balance.
    • Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers’ rights are respected within the legal framework, making conservation inclusive.
    • The largest critical tiger habitat in India is the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) spanning 5937 square kilometers.

    About Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR):

    • STR is located in Alwar district, Rajasthan, about 107 km from Jaipur, and is one of India’s most important tiger reserves.
    • Initially a royal hunting preserve, it became a sanctuary in 1955 and upgraded to a national park in 1979.
    • STR was one of the first tiger reserves under the Project Tiger initiative.
    • In 2008, after the tiger population was wiped out due to poaching and human encroachment, tigers were successfully relocated to the reserve, marking a world-first for tiger reintroduction.
    • Flora: STR has semi-deciduous forests, grasslands, rocky landscapes, and cliffs. The park is primarily dominated by dhok trees, covering around 90% of the area, alongside other species like salar, kadaya, and gol trees.
    • Fauna: The reserve is home to species like tigers, leopards, sambhar deer, nilgai, wild boars, rhesus macaques, and hyenas.
    • Ruparel River flows through STR, contributing to its ecological richness by supporting wildlife and plant species.
    [UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

    Options: (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam* (d) Sunderbans

     

  • Similipal to be 107th National Park of India

    Why in the News?

    The Odisha government has notified Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) as a national park, covering 845.70 sq/km. It is the 107th national park and the second in eastern Odisha, following Bhitarkanika.

    Similipal to be 107th National Park of India

    About Similipal National Park:

    • Situated in the Mayurbhanj district of northern Odisha, Similipal is surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
    • It includes the Khairiburu and Meghashini peaks, rising to 1,515 meters above sea level.
    • The park has a diverse terrain with hills, open grasslands, and wooded areas, supporting various species.
    • Flora: The park is home to 1,078 plant species, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal trees dominating the forests.
    • Fauna: It boasts diverse wildlife, including leopards, gaurs, elephants, sloth bears, and pangolins. Similipal also supports migratory birds like Bar-headed geese and Brahmini ducks.
    • Several indigenous tribes inhabit the region, such as Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, and Khadia.
    • Similipal was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956, included under Project Tiger in 1973, and became a Biosphere Reserve in 2009.

    Melanistic Tigers of Similipal:

    • Similipal is home to the world’s only wild population of pseudo-melanistic tigers, with 13 known to inhabit the area.
    • These tigers have a distinct appearance due to higher melanin levels, causing a unique, black-striped coat.
    • The mutation in the Taqpep gene makes these tigers pseudo-melanistic.
    [UPSC 2012] Consider the following protected areas; 1. Bandipur 2. Bhitarkanika 3. Manas 4. Sundarbans

    Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 Only (b) 1, 3 and 4 Only* (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1,2, 3 and 4

     

  • Why Naini Lake is seeing record-low water levels?

    Why in the News?

    Naini Lake, one of Nainital’s key attractions, has recorded a water level of 4.7 feet, marking a 5-year low, sparking concerns about drinking water scarcity as the summer season approaches.

    About Naini Lake

    • Naini Lake is situated in the heart of Nainital, a hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by seven hills.
    • The lake is natural kidney-shaped and is one of the main attractions of Nainital.
    • It was discovered by P. Barron, an English businessman, in the mid-19th century, which led to the development of Nainital as a hill station.
    • The deepest point of Naini Lake is 89 feet.
    • The normal gauge level of the lake is 12 feet, and its water level has recently dropped to 4.7 feet, marking a five-year low.

    Why is the Water Level declining?

    • The Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan extracts 10 million litres of water daily from Naini Lake for drinking water supply to the city of Nainital.
    • 76% of the city’s water demand was met by the lake in 2024, but increasing population, tourist activity, and commercialisation have intensified pressure on the lake’s water resources.
    • The lake faces numerous threats, including:
      • Decreased snowfall and rainfall, especially in the winter months.
      • Unplanned construction and encroachments around the lake, leading to the reduction of its catchment area.
      • Pollution due to the discharge of untreated wastewater and improper disposal of solid waste.
    • Siltation caused by debris dumping in Sukhatal Lake, a major aquifer recharge area for Naini Lake, has contributed to the shrinking of the lake’s size.
    • Climate change is affecting the region’s weather patterns, with annual temperatures rising by nearly 1.5 degrees Celsius between 1970 and 2022.

    Other Important Lakes in India (Artificial and Manmade):

    Type Lake Name Location Details
    Natural Dal Lake Jammu & Kashmir Famous for houseboats and scenic beauty, located in Srinagar.
    Vembanad Lake Kerala The longest lake in India, central to Kerala’s backwaters and tourism.
    Sambhar Lake Rajasthan Largest inland saltwater lake, important for bird migration, especially flamingos.
    Manmade Kolleru Lake Andhra Pradesh A large freshwater lake, critical for bird habitats and a wetland.
    Hussain Sagar Lake Telangana Constructed in 1562, famous for its Buddha statue and as a water source.
    Upper Lake Madhya Pradesh Artificial lake in Bhopal, important for water supply and recreational activities.
    Indira Sagar Lake Madhya Pradesh A large reservoir created by the Indira Sagar Dam for power generation and irrigation.

     

    [UPSC 2018] Which one of the following is an ‘Artificial Lake‘?

    (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) (b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh) (c) Nainital (Uttarakhand) (d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)

     

  • Places in news: Anchar Lake

    Why in the News?

    Anchar Lake, a vital water body in Kashmir, is renowned for producing Nadru (lotus stem), an aquatic delicacy that holds cultural, culinary, and economic significance in the region.

    Places in news: Anchar Lake

    About Anchar Lake 

    • Anchar Lake is situated in Soura, Srinagar near Ganderbal.
    • It is connected to Dal Lake via Amir Khan Nallah, which passes through Gilsar and Khushal Sar Lakes.
    • The lake is a part of the Sindh River Delta and plays a crucial role in supporting local aquatic ecosystems.
    • It is an integral part of the Shallabugh Wetland, which covers 1,675 hectares and serves as a designated bird sanctuary.
    • Its features:
      • It provides an essential habitat for migratory birds and various native aquatic species.
      • It functions as a flood-control reservoir, receiving excess water from Dal Lake during heavy rainfall.
      • It is home to the Hanji community, whose livelihood traditionally depended on fishing and other lake-based activities.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?

    (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)

    (b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)

    (c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)

    (d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)

     

  • J&K to promote Bangus Valley near LoC for Ecotourism

    Why in the News?

    The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced new ecotourism policies for Bangus Valley, a scenic yet lesser-known destination near the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir.

    J&K to promote Bangus Valley near LoC for Ecotourism

    About Bangus Valley

    • It is situated in Kupwara district, Jammu & Kashmir, about 100 km from Srinagar in the Pir Panjal range, close to the Line of Control (LoC).
    • It consists of 2 valleys:
      • Boud Bangus (Big Bangus): ~300 sq km, surrounded by Rajwar, Mawar, and Shamasbury ranges.
      • Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus): A smaller valley northeast of Big Bangus, known for trekking routes.
    • Its name is derived from Sanskrit words “Van” (forest) and “Gus” (grass), meaning “Forest of Grass.”
    • Connectivity:
      • Handwara via Reshwari Mawer (shortest and most preferred route).
      • Handwara via Rajwar (trekking route).
      • Kupwara via Chowkibal (under development, expected completion by 2025).
      • Road connectivity via Handwara is complete (June 2022).

    Ecological Importance of Bangus Valley:

    • Biodiversity: Home to 50+ animal species and 10+ bird species.
    • Key Mammals: Musk deer, antelope, snow leopard, brown bear, black bear, red fox, monkeys.
    • Bird Species: Tragopan, monal pheasant, black partridge, bush quail, wild fowl.
    • Flora: Rich in medicinal plants and wildflowers, supporting traditional herbal medicine.
    • Water Conservation: 14 tributaries, including Roshan Kul, Tillwan Kul, Douda Kul, feed the Pohru River.
    • Climate Sensitivity: Threatened by glacial melt and changing precipitation patterns.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Siachen Glacier is situated to the:

    (a) East of Aksai Chin

    (b) East of Leh

    (c) North of Gilgit

    (d) North of Nubra Valley