Bird Sanctuaries in India – Key Notes for Competitive Exams

India is home to a rich diversity of bird species, making it a significant destination for bird watchers and conservationists. The country has established several bird sanctuaries to protect and preserve various species of birds, many of which are migratory.

1. Importance of Bird Sanctuaries in India

• Biodiversity Conservation: India hosts over 1300 species of birds, including several migratory species.
• Migration Routes: India is located along important migratory bird routes, particularly the Central Asian Flyway and East Asia-Australasia Flyway.
• Ecological Balance: Birds help in controlling pests, pollination, and seed dispersal, which maintain the ecological balance.
• Tourism: Bird sanctuaries boost eco-tourism, creating awareness about wildlife conservation.

2. Key Bird Sanctuaries in India

Here is a list of notable bird sanctuaries in India that are frequently asked about in competitive exams:

A. Famous Bird Sanctuaries in India

1. Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) – Rajasthan

• Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
• Area: 29 square kilometers.
• Species: Over 350 species, including migratory birds like Siberian Cranes, Painted Storks, and Pelicans.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its biodiversity.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March (for migratory birds).

2. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary – Haryana

• Location: Near Gurgaon, Haryana.
• Area: 1.42 square kilometers.
• Species: Around 250 species of birds, including Siberian Cranes, Herons, and Ducks.
• Best Time to Visit: October to February.

3. Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary – Telangana

• Location: Medak District, Telangana.
• Area: 20 square kilometers.
• Species: Over 150 species of birds, including migratory birds like the Painted Stork, Indian Skimmer, and others.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March.

4. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary – Gujarat

• Location: Ahmedabad District, Gujarat.
• Area: 120 square kilometers.
• Species: Over 250 species of birds, including Flamingos, Herons, and Pelicans.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.

5. Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary – Odisha

• Location: Chilika Lake, Odisha.
• Area: 1,100 square kilometers (largest brackish water lagoon in Asia).
• Species: More than 160 species of birds, including migratory species like the Irrawaddy Dolphin, Flamingos, and Bar-headed Geese.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.

6. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – Karnataka

• Location: Near Mysuru, Karnataka.
• Area: 0.67 square kilometers.
• Species: Over 170 species of birds, including the Storks, Herons, and Cormorants.
• Best Time to Visit: June to September.

7. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary – Tamil Nadu

• Location: Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.
• Area: 30 hectares.
• Species: More than 40 species of birds, including Migratory Ducks, Herons, and Pelicans.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.

8. Keoladeo Ghana National Park – Rajasthan

• Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
• Area: 29 square kilometers.
• Species: It is famous for migratory birds and is home to over 370 species.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Listed due to its significance in migratory bird conservation.

9. Tungabhadra Bird Sanctuary – Karnataka

• Location: Near Hospet, Karnataka.
• Species: Known for birds like Painted Storks, Spot-billed Pelicans, and other migratory species.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.

B. Key Features of Indian Bird Sanctuaries

1. Wetland Ecosystems: Many bird sanctuaries, like Chilika Lake, are wetlands that provide vital ecosystems for migratory birds.
2. Protected Areas: Bird sanctuaries are protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity.
3. Mangrove and Coastal Ecosystems: Sanctuaries like the Sundarbans (home to the famous Bengal Tiger and migratory birds) protect coastal and mangrove ecosystems.
4. Breeding Grounds: Many sanctuaries are important breeding grounds for endangered species, such as the Siberian Crane at Keoladeo.
5. Promoting Research and Education: Bird sanctuaries serve as hubs for wildlife research, environmental education, and bird watching activities.

C. Migratory Birds in India

• Central Asian Flyway: Migratory birds traveling from Europe and Central Asia pass through India, stopping at sanctuaries like Bharatpur and Chilika Lake.
• Important Species:
  • Siberian Crane: Found in Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur).
  • Bar-headed Goose: Found in Chilika Lake.
  • Pelican and Flamingos: Found in Nal Sarovar and Ranganathittu.

D. Legal Protection and Conservation Efforts

1. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Provides legal protection to bird sanctuaries in India.
2. National Wildlife Action Plan: Aims to conserve biodiversity, including avian species, and provides guidelines for the management of bird sanctuaries.
3. State-Level Initiatives: Many states, such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, have launched specific programs to protect migratory birds and preserve habitats.

E. Other Notable Bird Sanctuaries

Famous for its Mangrove ecosystem and a large population of migratory birds, particularly during the winter months.

Located in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, home to birds like Himalayan Griffon and Golden Eagle.

Known for migratory waterfowl, especially during winter.

Located on the Vembanad Lake, it’s a hotspot for migratory birds like Siberian Stork and other waterfowl.

Though primarily a tiger reserve, the Sundarbans is also an important bird sanctuary, home to numerous migratory bird species.

F. Key Points to Remember for Competitive Exams

• Siberian Crane: Most famous migratory bird, found at Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur).
• Largest Bird Sanctuary: Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary (Odisha).
• Important Wetland Sanctuary: Keoladeo National Park, Nal Sarovar, Chilika Lake.
• State with the Most Sanctuaries: Rajasthan, with sanctuaries like Keoladeo, Desert National Park, and others.
• Migratory Bird Routes: Central Asian Flyway and East Asia-Australasia Flyway pass through India.
• Sundarbans: Known for its mangrove ecosystem and being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and migratory birds.

Conclusion

Bird sanctuaries in India play a crucial role in the conservation of avian biodiversity, especially for migratory species. The key sanctuaries, such as Bharatpur, Chilika, and Sultanpur, offer rich opportunities for both conservation and ecotourism. Understanding the locations, species, and legal frameworks of these sanctuaries is important for competitive exams related to geography, environment, and wildlife conservation.

Magme’s QUECAFE

 

ONE-LINERS ABOUT BIRD SANCTUARIES:

 

1. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (Haryana): Known for migratory birds, especially during winters.

2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hotspot for over 370 species of birds.

3. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (Karnataka): Famous for its nesting colonies of migratory birds.

4. Chilika Lake (Odisha): Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and an important wintering ground for migratory birds.

5. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan): One of the largest bird sanctuaries in India, hosting numerous species including Siberian cranes.

6. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala): Home to a variety of bird species, including the endangered Malabar parakeet.

7. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (Kerala): Located on the Vembanad Lake, known for its migratory birds like the Siberian crane.

8. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for its rich biodiversity including numerous bird species.

9. Dihing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam): Known for its unique birdlife and rich vegetation.

10. Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Odisha): Famous for its bird species, including the endangered white-bellied sea eagle.

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS ON BIRD SANCTUARIES

 

1. Which of the following bird sanctuaries is located in Haryana?

A. Keoladeo Ghana National Park

B. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

C. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

D. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Answer: B) Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

2. Where is the Keoladeo Ghana National Park situated?

A. Uttar Pradesh

B. Rajasthan

C. Haryana

D. Gujarat

Answer: B) Rajasthan

3. Which bird sanctuary is famous for the Siberian Crane?

A. Chilika Lake

B. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

C. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

D. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: B) Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

4. Which bird sanctuary is located in Kerala, famous for migratory birds?

A. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

B. Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary

C. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

D. Nagarhole National Park

Answer: C) Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

B. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

C. Bhitarkanika Mangroves

D. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

Answer: A) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

8. Which of the following bird species is most commonly found in the Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary?

A. Siberian Crane

B. White-bellied Sea Eagle

C. Painted Stork

D. Lesser Flamingo

Answer: D) Lesser Flamingo

9. Which bird sanctuary is famous for the endangered Malabar Parakeet?

A. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

B. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

C. Keoladeo Ghana National Park

D. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

Answer: B) Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

10. The Dihing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?

A. Assam

B. West Bengal

C. Odisha

D. Himachal Pradesh

Answer: A) Assam

FILL IN THE BLANKS ON BIRD SANCTUARY

 

Assertion & Reason Questions

MATCH THE FOLLOWING ON BIRD SANCTUARIES

Column A: Bird Sanctuary	Column B: Location
1. Keoladeo Ghana National Park	A. Kerala
2. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary	B. Odisha
3. Chilika Lake	C. Rajasthan
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary	D. Assam
5. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary	E. Uttar Pradesh
6. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary	F. Haryana
7. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary	G. Karnataka
8. Bhitarkanika Mangroves	H. Tamil Nadu

Answer Key:

Column A: Bird Sanctuary	Column B: Location
1. Keoladeo Ghana National Park	C. Rajasthan
2. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary	G. Karnataka
3. Chilika Lake	B. Odisha
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary	A. Kerala
5. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary	F. Haryana
6. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary	A. Kerala
7. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary –	D. Assam
8. Bhitarkanika Mangroves	B. Odisha

MCQs ON BIRD SANCTUARIES

A) Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

B) Keoladeo Ghana National Park

C) Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

D) Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: B) Keoladeo Ghana National Park

A) Bhitarkanika Mangroves

B) Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

C) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

D) Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

Answer: C) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

A) Tamil Nadu

B) Kerala

C) Assam

D) Odisha

Answer: B) Kerala

A) Chilika Lake

B) Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

C) Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

D) Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: B) Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

A) Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

B) Chilika Lake

C) Keoladeo Ghana National Park

D) Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

Answer: B) Chilika Lake

A) Karnataka

B) Gujarat

C) Rajasthan

D) Uttar Pradesh

Answer: A) Karnataka

A) Painted Stork

B) Lesser Flamingo

C) Siberian Crane

D) White-bellied Sea Eagle

Answer: B) Lesser Flamingo

A) Keoladeo Ghana National Park

B) Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

C) Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

D) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: B) Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

A) West Bengal

B) Assam

C) Odisha

D) Kerala

Answer: B) Assam

A) Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

B) Keoladeo Ghana National Park

C) Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

D) Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

Answer: A) Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary