Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary UPSC
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary located in the state of Bihar, India. The sanctuary is known for being a significant habitat for various species of migratory and resident birds.
During the winter months, Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary becomes the winter capital for at least 15 endangered species of migratory birds that travel from places as far as Mongolia and Siberia. Some of the notable bird species that can be spotted in the sanctuary include Dalmatian Pelican, Indian Darter, Bar-headed goose, Siberian Crane, and many more.
The sanctuary's location on the banks of the Kusheshwar Asthan River further enhances its appeal as it provides an ideal environment for birds to breed, nest, and find food without disturbances. The diverse range of avian species and the opportunity to observe rare and endangered birds draw birdwatchers and nature lovers from various regions.
Additionally, nearby the sanctuary, one can find the Kusheshwar Shiva Temple, from which the place derives its name. The temple adds to the cultural and spiritual significance of the area.
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Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary Location
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary is located in the Kusheshwar Asthan block of Darbhanga district in the state of Bihar, India. It is situated in the northern part of the state.
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary is Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (also known as Patna Airport) in Patna, Bihar, India. It is approximately 130 kilometers (about 81 miles) away from the bird sanctuary.
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary is Darbhanga Junction Railway Station. It is well-connected to various major cities in India and is situated at a distance of about 50 kilometers (approximately 31 miles) from the sanctuary.
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary History
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary was established in 1994, making it a relatively young sanctuary in India. Despite its recent establishment, it holds significant importance as one of the key wetlands in Bihar. Being a wetland, it likely attracts a wide variety of bird species, both migratory and resident, due to the presence of water bodies and associated vegetation that provide an ideal habitat for birds.
Wetlands are critical ecosystems that support a diverse range of plant and animal life, and they play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. By designating Kusheshwar Asthan as a bird sanctuary, the government and conservation authorities recognize its value as a habitat for birds and take measures to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary Area
Kusheshwarasthan Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 7019.75 acres (28.401 square kilometers). This sizable expanse of land makes it a significant habitat for various bird species, both migratory and resident, in the state of Bihar, India. The large area allows for the conservation and protection of avian biodiversity, providing a safe and undisturbed environment for the birds to thrive.
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary River
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Kusheshwar Asthan River. The proximity to the river is likely one of the reasons for the sanctuary's significance and the abundance of birdlife it attracts. Rivers and their associated wetlands often serve as crucial habitats for various bird species, offering them breeding grounds, feeding areas, and shelter.
The presence of the Kusheshwar Asthan River in the sanctuary makes it an ideal location for both resident and migratory birds, as they can find ample resources and a suitable environment for their survival. The river's influence on the surrounding ecosystem contributes to the diversity of bird species that can be observed in the sanctuary.
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary Flora
Bird sanctuaries like Kusheshwar Asthan often have diverse and rich vegetation, especially around water bodies and wetland areas. The presence of different types of plants and trees provides food, shelter, and nesting opportunities for a wide variety of bird species. Some common types of flora found in Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary include:
(1) Aquatic Plants:
These are plants that grow entirely or partially submerged in water. They play a crucial role in providing habitat and food for birds and other aquatic organisms. Examples include water lilies, lotus, and various species of submerged grasses.
(2) Wetland Grasses:
These are grasses that thrive in marshy or wetland environments. They provide nesting sites for birds and attract insects that serve as food for birds. Examples include reeds, sedges, and cattails.
(3) Trees and Shrubs:
Trees and shrubs along the banks of rivers and wetlands offer nesting sites and shelter for birds. They may also bear fruits and seeds that serve as food for birds. Common species may include willows, alders, and other riparian vegetation.
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary Animals)
Mammals:
Common mammals found in Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary include various species of rodents, small mammals, and occasionally larger mammals that inhabit the surrounding forests or grasslands. Examples might include deer, wild boars, Indian foxes, and various species of bats.
Birds:
Kusheshwar Asthan are home to a wide range of avian species, both migratory and resident. These sanctuaries provide vital habitats for birds to breed, nest, and find food without disturbances. Some of the common bird species that may be found in such sanctuaries include:
(i) Migratory Birds:
During their respective migratory seasons, bird sanctuaries often attract various migratory species that travel thousands of kilometers from their breeding grounds to find suitable feeding and resting areas.
- Dalmatian Pelican
- Indian Darter
- Bar-headed Goose
- Siberian Crane
- Indian Skimmer
- Oriental Stork
- Marbled Teal
- Oriental Darter
(ii) Resident Birds:
Bird sanctuaries also support a diverse array of resident bird species that live in the area year-round. These may include:
- Lalshar (Red-crested pochard)
- Dighouch
- Nakta
- Adhani
- Chaha
- Silli
- Harial
- Karan
- Gaiber (White and Black)
- Gairi
- Gagan
Reptiles:
Some common reptiles found in such areas include different species of snakes, turtles, and lizards. Water snakes and freshwater turtles are often observed in the vicinity of water bodies.
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary?
A. The Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary is located in the state of Bihar, India. It is situated in the Kusheshwar Asthan block of Darbhanga district in the northern part of the state.
Q. What is Kusheshwar Asthan famous for?
A. Kusheshwar Asthan is famous for its bird sanctuary, known as the Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a significant habitat for a diverse range of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
The sanctuary is especially renowned for hosting migratory birds during the winter months. Around November to March, the wetlands and water bodies within the sanctuary attract various migratory birds that travel from places as far as Mongolia and Siberia. Some of the migratory birds that can be spotted here include the Siberian Crane, Dalmatian Pelican, Bar-headed Goose, and Indian Skimmer, among others.
Apart from the migratory birds, the sanctuary is also home to various resident bird species, creating a rich and vibrant avian ecosystem. The presence of diverse birdlife makes Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary an important site for bird conservation and a delightful place for birdwatchers and photographers to observe and capture various bird species in their natural habitat.
In addition to its ornithological significance, Kusheshwar Asthan is known for the Kusheshwar Shiva Temple, from which the place's name is derived. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts devotees and tourists alike.
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