Lecture Notes on Wetlands

Jun 5, 2024

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

  1. Vembanad Lake: Longest lake in India.
  2. Ashtamudi Lake.
  3. 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

  1. Chilika Lake: Largest coastal lagoon in India, important for birdlife.
  2. Bhitarkanika Mangroves: Important for Olive Ridley turtles.
  3. Hirakud Reservoir: On Mahanadi River.
  4. Satkosia Gorge: Also a tiger reserve.
  5. 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.