Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Bakhira Bird Sanctuary is the largest natural floodplain wetland in India, located in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1980, it spans an area of approximately 29 square kilometers and is situated 44 km west of Gorakhpur city, 18 km from Khalilabad, and 55 km from Basti.
The sanctuary serves as a significant lake in eastern Uttar Pradesh, attracting numerous migratory waterfowls during the winter season and providing breeding grounds for resident birds. It is also connected to the Bakhira Canal, which covers an area of 15 km from its origin and is used for farming activities.
The Bakhira Bird Sanctuary is named after the village of Bakhira, which is located adjacent to the lake. Additionally, there are around 108 villages within a 5 km radius of the sanctuary. The local communities depend on the wetland for their livelihoods, engaging in activities such as fishing, agriculture, and collecting fuelwood from the area.
In recognition of its ecological importance, the Bakhira Bird Sanctuary was designated as a Ramsar Site on World Wetlands Day (2 February 2022). This designation highlights its significance as a wetland of international importance.
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Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The sanctuary is situated near the village of Bakhira and is approximately 44 km west of Gorakhpur city.
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is Gorakhpur Airport (GOP). It is located approximately 44 kilometers east of the sanctuary. Travelers can reach the sanctuary by road from the airport.
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is Khalilabad Railway Station. It is situated about 18 kilometers away from the sanctuary. From the railway station, visitors can hire local transportation or take a taxi to reach the sanctuary.
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary History
Establishment: The Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1980 in the Sant Kabir Nagar district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. Its creation aimed to protect the natural floodplain wetlands and the diverse avian species that inhabit the area.
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary Ramsar Sites
Recognition as a Ramsar Site: In recognition of its ecological importance, the Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a Ramsar Site on February 2nd, 2022. This designation signifies the sanctuary's international significance as a wetland and further emphasizes the need for its conservation.
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary spans an expansive area in the Sant Kabir Nagar district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. The sanctuary covers approximately 29 square kilometers of land.
The sanctuary's vast stretch of land comprises natural floodplain wetlands, which serve as crucial habitats for various bird species. These wetlands provide a suitable environment for both resident birds and migratory waterfowls during different seasons.
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary River/Lake
The Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is associated with the Bakhira Tal, which is the largest natural wetland in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Bakhira Tal is a perennial wetland, meaning it has water throughout the year. The primary sources of water for Bakhira Tal are natural rainfall and the Ami River, which is a tributary of the Rapti River.
The presence of the Ami River as a water source contributes to the richness and sustainability of the wetland ecosystem within the Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary. The combination of natural rainwater and the river's flow helps maintain the water levels and provides a favorable environment for various aquatic species, including birds and other wildlife.
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by its diverse flora, which contributes to the richness and ecological balance of the sanctuary. The sanctuary's wetland habitat supports a wide range of plant species, including aquatic plants, wetland grasses, and trees.
Here are some examples of the flora found in the Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary:
(1) Aquatic Plants:
The wetlands of the sanctuary provide a favorable environment for various aquatic plants, such as water lilies, lotus, water hyacinth, and water lettuce. These plants thrive in the shallow waters and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the wetland ecosystem.
(2) Wetland Grasses:
Several species of grasses are found in the wetlands of Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary. These grasses include reed grass, sedge grass, and other marshland grasses. They play a crucial role in stabilizing the soil, preventing erosion, and providing habitat and food sources for many animals.
(3) Trees and Shrubs:
Along the fringes and surrounding areas of the wetlands, there are various tree and shrub species. These may include species like babul (Acacia nilotica), neem (Azadirachta indica), banyan (Ficus benghalensis), mango (Mangifera indica), and several types of fig trees. These trees provide shade, nesting sites, and food sources for a variety of bird species and other wildlife.
(4) Grassland Flora:
In addition to the wetland vegetation, there may be areas of grassland within the sanctuary. These grasslands are likely to be home to species such as elephant grass (Saccharum ravennae), wild sorghum (Sorghum spp.), and other herbaceous plants that thrive in such habitats.
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What animals are in the Bakhira Wildlife sanctuary?
Mammals:
- Indian Jackal
- Bengal Fox
- Indian Hare
- Indian Flying Fox
- Indian Palm Civet
- Mongoose
Birds:
- Siberian Cranes
- Bar-headed Geese
- Brahminy Ducks
- Sarus Cranes
- Painted Storks
- Egrets
- Herons
- Kingfishers
- Egyptian Vulture
- Greater Spotted Eagle
- Common Pochard
- Swamp Francolin
- Oriental Darter
- Woolly-necked Stork
Reptiles:
- Indian Monitor Lizard
- Indian Python
- Spectacled Cobra
- Indian Rat Snake
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary?/Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary in which district?
A. The Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Q. On which river is the Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Ami River, which is a tributary of the Rapti River. The sanctuary benefits from the natural rainwater and water flow from the Ami River, contributing to the maintenance of the wetland ecosystem within the sanctuary.
Q. What is the Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Bakhira Bird Sanctuary, is famous for its rich avian diversity and being the largest natural floodplain wetland in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. Here are some aspects for which the sanctuary is particularly renowned:
(1) Bird Diversity: The sanctuary is internationally recognized for its birdlife. It supports over 80 bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. It serves as a wintering ground for more than 25 migratory species that travel along the Central Asian Flyway. Some of the migratory bird species that can be seen in the sanctuary include the endangered Egyptian vulture, the vulnerable greater spotted eagle, common pochard, swamp francolin, and the near-threatened oriental darter and woolly-necked stork.
(2) Migratory Waterfowl: The sanctuary provides a vital wintering and staging ground for numerous migratory waterfowls. Birds travel long distances, including thousands of kilometers, to reach these wetlands during the winter season. The sanctuary's wetland habitat offers them a suitable environment for feeding, resting, and breeding.
(3) Ramsar Site: The Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary has gained recognition at the international level. It has been designated as a Ramsar Site, which signifies its importance as a wetland of international significance. This recognition highlights the sanctuary's role in conserving and protecting wetland ecosystems.
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