Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary: In News
The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) is learnt to have issued directions to the Andhra Pradesh government over illegal fish ponds and environmental degradation in the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the West Godavari and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh.
- It was established in November 1999, under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
- The sanctuary covers wetlands and marshes that provide a vital habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
- The sanctuary protects part of the Kolleru Lake wetland, which was designated as a Ramsar Site of International Importance in 2002.
- The Lake is fed directly by the seasonal Budameru and Tammileru rivers and is connected to the Krishna and Godavari systems by 67 inflowing drains and channels.
- It is a crucial wetland ecosystem and serves as a stopover point for migratory birds.
- The sanctuary’s flora includes various aquatic plants, submerged macrophytes, and wetland vegetation that provide essential food and shelter for the diverse bird species.
- It is home to many species of resident and migratory birds.
- Commonly found birds in the sanctuary are: little egret, cattle egret, pied kingfisher, small blue kingfisher, blackcapped kingfisher, pond heron, reef heron, grey heron, night heron, etc.
