New Ramsar Sites:
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced the addition of two new wetlands to India’s Ramsar network, ahead of World Wetlands Day.
Patna Bird Sanctuary:
- It is located in Uttar Pradesh.
- It consists of freshwater marshes, woodlands and grasslands, and is surrounded by agricultural landscapes.
- Together, these different landscapes create a wide range of habitats and support a high level of biodiversity.
- It has been designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by Birdlife International.
Chhari-Dhand Wetland:
- It is located in Kutch, Gujarat.
- It is a seasonal saline wetland situated between the famous Banni grasslands and salt flats of Kutch.
- It is an important wintering site for waterfowl.
- It supports species such as critically endangered sociable lapwing, the vulnerable common pochard, and, notably, common cranes (Grus grus) annually.
