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Picture Courtesy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manjira_Wildlife_Sanctuary

Context: Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary in Sangareddy, Telangana, may become the state's first Ramsar site, emphasizing conservation of its wetland ecosystem through collaborative efforts for habitat preservation

About Ramsar Sites

• The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an international treaty that aims to conserve and sustainably use wetlands.
• Wetlands designated as Ramsar sites are recognized for their ecological significance, particularly for waterfowl habitat.
• Criteria for Ramsar Designation:
  • To qualify as a Ramsar site, a wetland must meet specific criteria related to its ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological importance.
  • Ramsar sites receive international recognition under UNESCO and benefit from support for conservation efforts, funding opportunities, and increased global visibility.
• Ramsar sites play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating water flow, improving water quality, and mitigating climate change impacts. Protecting these wetlands is essential for the overall health of ecosystems and the well-being of communities dependent on them.
• As of June 2024, India has 82 Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention. These sites are crucial for their ecological significance and support a diverse range of flora and fauna.

As per the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules of 2017 in India, wetlands include areas like lakes, rivers, reservoirs, tanks, ponds, marshes, and backwaters. However, river channels, paddy fields, and areas used for commercial activities are not considered under this definition.

About Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is situated in Sangareddy district, Telangana (about 50 km from Hyderabad).
• The sanctuary stretches along the Manjira River for approximately 36 km. It includes a man-made reservoir crucial for providing drinking water to Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
• The sanctuary features dry Savanna-type vegetation. Along the waterline, one can find plant species such as Typha, Ipomoea, and Acacia. Agricultural fields surround the reservoir and river, contributing to the area's biodiversity.
• The region experiences an average temperature ranging from 15°C to 42°C, with an average annual rainfall of about 915 mm, supporting its diverse ecosystem.

Flora and Fauna

Flora	●The sanctuary hosts a variety of plant species including Ipomea, Babool, Prosopis, Vallisneria, Eichhornia, and various reeds. These plants contribute to the ecological balance and habitat structure crucial for supporting wildlife.
Fauna	●The sanctuary is rich in riverine fauna, including the endangered mugger crocodile, freshwater turtles, prawns, molluscs, and several fish species like catla, rohu, and murrel. ●Reptiles such as monitor lizards, turtles, cobras, and a variety of mammals like Indian hare, wild boar, mongoose, and jackal also inhabit the area.
Avifauna	●Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its avian diversity, with approximately 73 species of birds recorded. ●Notable species include common teal, cotton pygmy goose, ruddy shelduck, cranes, bar-headed geese, Asian openbill, painted stork, Eurasian coot, and black-crowned night heron. ●Vulnerable species like lesser adjutant and Indian skimmer, along with near-threatened species such as darter and Oriental white ibis, have also been spotted.

Conservation Efforts

• Crocodile Conservation: Initially established as a sanctuary to protect the endangered mugger crocodile, the sanctuary's conservation efforts have been successful. From just four pairs in 1974, the population has grown to an estimated 400 to 600 crocodiles, supported by a dedicated breeding program.
• Cultural Heritage: Beyond its ecological importance, the sanctuary is enriched with cultural sites such as the ancient temple in Kalabgur village, dating back 800 years to the Kakatiya period. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva showcases remarkable stone architecture and pillars.

Conclusion

• The potential designation of the Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary as Telangana's first Ramsar site signifies a significant step towards conserving its unique wetland ecosystem. This international recognition not only highlights its ecological importance but also highlights the need for collaborative efforts to preserve these vital habitats for future generations.

Must Read Articles:

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Ramsar Sites in India and World Wetlands Day 2024

Source:

The Times of India

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. While wetlands are often described as "the kidneys" of the ecosystem, explain how this metaphor goes beyond simply filtering water. How do wetlands play a crucial role in the larger nutrient cycling cascade within an ecosystem, and how does this benefit both terrestrial and aquatic environments?