Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Location, History, Flora, Fauna

Keoladeo National Park was formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Keoladeo National Park is among India’s most prominent bird sanctuaries, attracting thousands of migratory birds throughout the year. Spanning an area of 28.73 km², the sanctuary is home to a diverse range of bird species, reptiles like pythons, and other wildlife. Its ecological significance resulted in establishing Keoladeo Ghana National Park in 1982. Further, in 1985, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site, recognizing its role in global biodiversity conservation.

Keoladio National Park History

Keoladeo National Park is one of India's most significant bird sanctuaries, and was designed and developed by Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur nearly 250 years ago. The park derives its name from the Keoladeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at its center.

To address the issue of seasonal flooding caused by the region’s natural slope, Maharaja Suraj Mal constructed the Ajan Bund (Ajan Dam) between 1726 and 1763. This dam was built at the confluence of the Gambhir and Banganga rivers, regulating water flow and creating an ecosystem that later became a haven for wildlife.

By the 1850s, the rulers of Bharatpur began using the area for royal hunting expeditions, making it a favored hunting ground for British officials and Indian nobility. However, in 1982, the Indian government designated it a National Park, imposing strict conservation laws, including bans on cultivation, cattle grazing, and fodder collection within the protected area. These restrictions led to intense conflicts between local communities and the authorities, marking a significant chapter in the park’s conservation history.

Keoladio National Park Flora

Keoladeo National Park holds a diverse range of vegetation, supporting its rich ecosystem. Among the woody plant species, Piloo (Salvadora oleoides and Salvadora persica) are the most notable, as they are uniquely adapted to saline soil conditions.

The park is also home to aquatic vegetation, which serves as a crucial food source for amphibians and other wetland organisms. However, in 2007 and 2008, conservationists took active measures to eradicate invasive species such as Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) and certain members of the Cineraria genus (Asteraceae family), which threatened the Keoladio National Park biodiversity.

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Keoladio National Park Fauna

Keoladeo National Park holds a rich variety of flora and fauna, despite the absence of large predators. The park's diverse landscape includes wooded swamps, wetlands, and dry grasslands, providing a suitable habitat for numerous species. Including, 370 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers, 379 varieties of flowering plants, contributing to its lush greenery, 50 species of fish, supporting the aquatic food chain, 13 types of snakes and 5 species of lizards, adding to its reptilian diversity, 7 species of amphibians, crucial for maintaining the park’s ecological balance, 7 out of India’s 10 turtle species, making it a significant site for turtle conservation.

Keoladio National Park Interesting Facts

1. In 1850 Keoladio National Park was artificially constructed as a controlled wetland.
2. In 1956, the park was declared a bird sanctuary to protect its diverse avian population.
3. In 1981, Keoladio National Park was recognized as a wetland of international significance under the Ramsar Convention.
4. On March 10, 1982, Elevated to the status of a national park, ensuring stricter conservation measures.
5. In 1985, Keoladio National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its global ecological importance.
6. Currently, Keoladeo National Park is home to over 375 bird species, making it an important habitat for both resident and migratory birds.