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Lecture Notes on Wetlands
Jun 5, 2024
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Review flashcards
Lecture Notes on Wetlands
Introduction
Importance: Highly demanded topic, often overlooked but appearing in exams like NDA and CDS.
Focus: Covering wetlands thoroughly since it is essential for exams.
Definition of Wetlands
Wetlands can include lakes, ponds, rivers, and even agricultural lands.
They are crucial for replenishing groundwater and maintaining ecological balance.
Key Features of Wetlands
Important for ground water level maintenance and ecological succession.
Serve as indicators of environmental changes, e.g., frogs indicating rain.
Support moisture levels which promote rain and surrounding greenery.
Historical Context
1971:
First international efforts at wetland conservation began in this year.
Location:
Ramsar, Iran.
Significance:
Led to Ramsar Convention for international cooperation on wetland conservation.
Date:
Wetlands Day celebrated on February 2 every year.
Ramsar Convention
Definition:
An international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
Parties Involved:
171 countries as of January 2023.
Philosophy:
Wise use of wetlands; conservation and maintaining ecological character.
Requirements:
Each country must designate at least one wetland of international importance.
Stats:
Over 2,400 Ramsar sites covering 2.5 million square kilometers.
Important Wetlands
First Site:
Coburg Peninsula in Australia.
Countries with Most Wetlands:
United Kingdom (175 sites), Mexico (142 sites).
Country with Largest Area of Wetlands:
Bolivia.
India:
Holds 80 Ramsar sites.
Wetlands in India
First Sites:
Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan).
Recent Additions:
Include several sites in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Threats:
Many wetlands in India face threats due to urbanization and pollution.
Noteworthy Indian Wetlands
Kerala
Vembanad Lake:
Longest lake in India.
Ashtamudi Lake.
Sasthamkotta Lake.
Tamil Nadu
Notable Sites:
Gulf of Mannar,
Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary,
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary,
Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary,
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary,
Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex,
Others include: Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Pallikaranai Marshland, Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary, among others.
Karnataka
Key Wetlands:
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary,
Magadi Bird Sanctuary,
Ankasamudra Bird Sanctuary,
Other recently added sites like Akkihebbal Lake.
Andhra Pradesh
Important Site:
Kolleru Lake.
Odisha
Chilika Lake:
Largest coastal lagoon in India, important for birdlife.
Bhitarkanika Mangroves:
Important for Olive Ridley turtles.
Hirakud Reservoir:
On Mahanadi River.
Satkosia Gorge:
Also a tiger reserve.
Tampara Lake.
Threats and Conservation Efforts
Urbanization:
Draining of wetlands leading to groundwater depletion, e.g., in Bangalore.
Pollution:
Industrial and municipal waste.
Conservation:
Involves local, national, and global efforts.
Conclusion
Importance:
Essential for exams due to frequent questions.
Strategy:
Thoroughly study and remember key wetland sites along with their unique features for exams.
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