Why in News?
India has added another important wetland to its conservation network. The Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has been designated as the 99th Ramsar Wetland Site, highlighting its ecological importance and role in bird conservation
- Location: Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh Status: Declared India’s 99th Ramsar Site (2026)Biodiversity:
- 249 bird species recorded
- 62 species directly dependent on the wetland ecosystem
Migratory Importance:
- Lies on the Central Asian Flyway (CAF)
- Hosts species like:
- Bar-headed goose
- Painted stork
What is Central Asian Flyway (CAF)?
One of the 9 major global migratory bird flyways Connects:
- Breeding grounds: Arctic region (Siberia)
- Wintering grounds: Indian subcontinent & nearby regions
Covers 30 countries from Arctic Ocean to Indian Ocean Operates under:
- Convention on Migratory Species
Ramsar Wetland Site – Meaning & Significance
- A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognized as internationally important
- Declared under the:
- Ramsar Convention
- Criteria for designation:
- Ecological significance
- Biodiversity richness
- Hydrological importance
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