Nalbana Bird Sanctuary UPSC (Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary)
The Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, is a significant wetland and bird sanctuary located in the state of Odisha in India. It is situated within the Chilika Lake, which is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world.
The Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is recognized for its critical role as a habitat and breeding ground for a wide variety of bird species. It provides essential feeding and nesting grounds for both resident and migratory birds.
The sanctuary attracts thousands of migratory birds, particularly during the winter months when many species of waterfowl, waders, and shorebirds travel to the area from various parts of the world. These migratory birds come to Chilika Lake to escape harsh winter conditions in their breeding areas.
The Nalbana Bird Sanctuary plays a vital role in India's natural heritage and bird conservation efforts. It is a significant destination for bird enthusiasts, researchers, and conservationists, offering opportunities to observe and study a wide variety of avian species in their natural habitat.
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Nalbana Bird Sanctuary Location
The Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is located in the Khurda district of Odisha, India. It is situated within Chilika Lake in the state of Odisha.
Chilika Lake is situated along the eastern coast of India and is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world. Nalbana Island is specifically situated in the northern part of Chilika Lake.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is the Biju Patnaik International Airport, located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, India. Bhubaneswar is well-connected by air to major cities in India, and from there, you can arrange for further transportation to reach Chilika Lake and Nalbana Bird Sanctuary.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is Khallikote Railway Station, which is about 18 kilometers away from the sanctuary. Khallikote is a small railway station on the Howrah-Chennai main railway line. Alternatively, you can also consider reaching the Balugaon Railway Station, which is approximately 30 kilometers from Nalbana Bird Sanctuary. Both of these railway stations offer options for onward travel to Chilika Lake.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary History
The Nalbana Bird Sanctuary has a history closely tied to the conservation of bird species and the ecological significance of the Chilika Lake ecosystem. Here is a brief history of the sanctuary:
Formation and Early Years: Nalbana Island is situated within Chilika Lake, which has been recognized for its ecological importance for centuries. Historical evidence suggests that Chilika Lake was once part of the Bay of Bengal about 6,000 years ago. Over time, natural processes like littoral drift and silt deposits from adjoining rivers led to the formation of a sand spit barrier, separating the lake from the Bay of Bengal.
Designation as a Bird Sanctuary: The Nalabana Island of Chilika Lake was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987. It was accorded the status of a bird sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act of India. This declaration was a significant step in recognizing the island's importance as a critical habitat for a variety of bird species, both resident and migratory.
Ramsar Designation: Chilika Lake, including Nalbana Island, was designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1981. This global recognition highlighted the lake's vital role in supporting biodiversity and migratory bird populations.
Conservation Efforts: Since its declaration as a bird sanctuary, conservation efforts have been ongoing to protect the Nalbana Bird Sanctuary and the Chilika Lake ecosystem. Sustainable fishing practices, habitat preservation, and the monitoring of bird populations are some of the key conservation measures.
Seasonal Changes: Nalbana Island experiences seasonal changes, including submergence during the monsoon months and emergence during the post-monsoon period. This natural cycle influences the arrival and departure of birds, making it a dynamic and unique ecosystem.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary Area
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 15.53 square kilometers (6 square miles). This sanctuary is situated within Chilika Lake in the state of Odisha, India.
The island serves as a crucial habitat for various bird species, both resident and migratory, and its protected area status is essential for the conservation of avian biodiversity in the region.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary Lake
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is located within Chilika Lake in the state of Odisha, India. Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world.
Nalbana Island is situated within the northern part of Chilika Lake. It is an integral part of the lake's ecosystem and serves as a crucial habitat for various bird species, making it a significant destination for bird conservation and research in the region.
Chilika Lake itself is an estuarine lagoon, characterized by its brackish water, and it is subject to minor tidal fluctuations. The lake receives water from rivers such as the Daya and Bhargavi, as well as several small streams.
It is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, mudflats, and islands, which support a wide range of wildlife, including birds, fish, and other aquatic species.
The lake's ecological significance led to its designation as a Ramsar site in 1981, highlighting its global importance for wetland conservation.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary Flora
The flora of Nalbana Bird Sanctuary within Chilika Lake is adapted to the wetland environment and the seasonal fluctuations in water levels. Here are some of the key plant species found in the sanctuary:
(1) Phragmites Karka:
Phragmites karka, commonly known as common reed, is a predominant species found in Nalbana Bird Sanctuary. This tall, grass-like plant often forms dense stands in wetland areas and provides important habitat and nesting sites for various bird species.
(2) Aquatic Macrophytes:
The sanctuary is home to several aquatic macrophytes, which are plants that grow in aquatic environments. Some of these species may include Potamogeton pectinatus, Najas faveolata, N. graminea, Halophila ovalis, Ruppia maritima, Scirpus littoralis, Cyperus species, and Salicornia brachiata. These plants play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem's health and providing food and shelter for aquatic life.
(3) Algae:
Various algal species are present in Chilika Lake, including Chaetomorpha linum, Enteromorpha intestinalis, Oscillatoria laetevirens, Cladophora glomerata, and Ulva lactuca. Algae are essential for the lake's overall ecological balance and serve as a food source for many aquatic organisms.
(4) Gracillaria Verrucosa:
Gracillaria verrucosa is a less common species of red algae that is found in the sanctuary.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Nalbana Bird Sanctuary Animals)
The Nalbana Bird Sanctuary within Chilika Lake supports a diverse range of fauna, including both bird and aquatic species. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Irrawaddy Dolphin
- Otters
Birds:
Which birds are found in Nalabana Bird Sanctuary?
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is primarily known for its avian biodiversity. It serves as a crucial habitat for a wide variety of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. Some of the bird species found in the sanctuary include:
- White-bellied Sea Eagle
- Graylag Goose
- Purple Moorhen
- Grey Heron
- Purple Heron
- Indian Roller
- White Ibis
- Spoonbill
- Brahminy Duck
- Shoveller
- Black Headed Oriole
- Pintail
- Garganey
- Black-tailed Godwit
- Gadwall
- Eurasian Wigeon
- Brown-headed Gull
- Bar-headed Geese
- Lesser Whistling Duck
- Brahminy Shelducks
- Pallas's Fish-Eagle
- Spot-billed Pelican
- River Tern
- Gull-billed Tern
- Little Tern
- Black-winged Stilt
- Oriental Pratincole
- Kentish Plover
- Spoon-billed Sandpiper
- Asian Dowitchers
Reptiles:
While birds are the primary focus of the sanctuary, reptiles such as turtles and snakes also found in the surrounding areas.
Fish:
- Milk Fish
- Indo-Pacific Tarpon
- Ten-pounder
- Bream
- Hilsa
- Mullet
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which district is Nalabana Bird Sanctuary located?
A. Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, also known as Chilka Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in the Khurda district of the state of Odisha, India.
Q. Which is the famous bird sanctuary of Odisha?
A. One of the famous bird sanctuaries in Odisha, India, is the "Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary," also known as the "Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary." This sanctuary is renowned for its rich avian biodiversity. The sanctuary encompasses various areas within Chilika Lake, including Nalbana Island, and serves as a critical habitat for a wide variety of resident and migratory bird species.
Q. When Nalabana is declared sanctuary?/When was the Nalabana Wildlife sanctuary started?
A. Nalabana Island in Chilika Lake was declared a bird sanctuary in the year 1987. This declaration was made under the Wildlife Protection Act of India to recognize the island's importance as a critical habitat for various bird species, especially during the winter months when it serves as a refuge for migratory birds.
Q. What migratory birds are in Nalabana Bird Sanctuary?
A. Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, situated within Chilika Lake in Odisha, India, is a significant destination for migratory birds, particularly during the winter season. While the specific species of migratory birds that visit Nalabana can vary from year to year, here are some of the common migratory bird species that can be observed in the sanctuary:
(i) Greater Flamingo: Greater flamingos migrate to Nalabana from various regions, including Iran and the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, during the winter months. They are known for their distinctive pink plumage.
(ii) Lesser Flamingo: Along with greater flamingos, lesser flamingos are also seen in the shallow waters of Chilika Lake during their winter migration.
(iii) Goliath Heron: These tall and impressive herons are among the migratory birds that can be spotted around Nalabana Island.
(iv) Grey Herons: Grey herons are another heron species that migrate to the sanctuary during the winter season.
(v) Purple Herons: Purple herons, with their striking plumage, are among the heron species that visit Nalabana.
(vi) Egrets: Various egret species, such as the little egret and intermediate egret, are commonly observed in the sanctuary.
(vii) Spoonbills: Spoonbills are known for their distinctive spoon-shaped bills and are often seen in the wetlands of Nalabana.
(viii) Storks: Both painted storks and Asian openbill storks are migratory bird species that visit the sanctuary.
(ix) Black-headed Ibis: Black-headed ibis is another bird species that can be found in the sanctuary during the migratory season.
(x) Bar-headed Geese: Bar-headed geese, known for their high-altitude migrations, also spend the winter at Nalabana.
(xi) Pintails: Northern pintails are among the duck species that migrate to Chilika Lake and Nalabana Island.
Q. What is Nalbana Bird Sanctuary famous for?
A. Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Bird Conservation: Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is renowned for its critical role in bird conservation. It serves as a vital habitat and breeding ground for various bird species, both resident and migratory. The sanctuary attracts a significant number of waterfowl and shorebirds, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers and researchers.
(ii) Migratory Birds: The sanctuary is particularly famous for hosting a large number of migratory birds during the winter season. These birds travel from distant regions to Nalbana Island, seeking refuge from harsh winter conditions in their breeding areas. The sanctuary provides them with essential feeding and nesting grounds.
(iii) Ramsar Site: Nalbana Island is part of Chilika Lake, which is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. This recognition highlights the global significance of the sanctuary and the lake's ecosystems for wetland conservation.
(iv) Rich Biodiversity: Nalbana Island and Chilika Lake as a whole support a diverse range of flora and fauna. Apart from birds, the sanctuary is home to aquatic life, including fish and dolphins, as well as various wetland plants and algae.
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