Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary Latest News

A rare Arctic seabird, the Sabine’s Gull, was spotted at Gujarat’s Nalsarovar Wildlife Sanctuary recently — its first recorded sighting in India since 2013, when it was seen in Kerala.

About Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary

• It is located approximately 64 km west of Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
• It is a natural lake with shallow waters and muddy lagoons, dotted by 360 islets.
• Spread over an area of 120.82 sq km, this sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. 
• The history of Nalsarovar dates back to the 15th century, when the lake was created as a result of the construction of a check dam across the Sabarmati River. 
• The lake was initially used for irrigation and as a source of drinking water for nearby villages.
• Over time, the lake became an important habitat for a variety of bird species, and local communities recognized its ecological significance. 
• In the early 20th century, the British colonial administration recognized the importance of Nalsarovar as a wetland ecosystem and established it as a protected area.
• In 1969, the Gujarat government declared Nalsarovar a bird sanctuary to primarily protect its bird population.
• The Ramsar Conventiondesignation of Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in 2012 recognized its ecological importance as a wetland habitat for birds and other wildlife.
• Flora: 
  • The sanctuary area has 48 species of algae and 72 species of flowering plants. 
  • The common aquatic plants are Cyperus sp., Scirpus sp., Typha ungustata, Eleocharis palustris, Ruppia, Potamogeton, Vallisnaria, Naias, Chara, etc.
• Fauna: 
  • The sanctuary has about 250 bird species, which include greater and lesser flamingoes, pelicans, ducks & geese, rails, coots, cranes, cormorants, herons, egrets, storks, ibises, spoonbills, teals, sarus cranes, moorhens, and waders, etc.
  • Other animals: On southern or southwestern fringes, small herds of wild ass can be seen. Mongoose, jungle cat, Indian fox, jackal, wolf, and hyena are also there.

Key Facts about Sabine’s Gull

• Sabine’s gull (Xema sabini), also known as the fork-tailed gull or xeme, is a small gull.
• It breeds in the subarctic and high arctic regions of North America and Russia, as well as on Greenland and in Svalbard.
• This species is easy to identify through its striking wing pattern. 
• The adult has a pale grey back and wing coverts, black primary flight feathers, and white secondaries. The white tail is forked. 
• IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary located?

Ans: Gujarat

Q2: Which major river was dammed, resulting in the formation of the Nalsarovar lake?

‹ ›

Ans: Sabarmati

Q3: Is Nalsarovar a Ramsar site?

Ans: Yes, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is designated as a Ramsar Site.

Source: HT