Menar and Khichan Ramsar Site
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: HT
Context: India has added two new Ramsar Sites—Menar (Udaipur) and Khichan (Phalodi) ahead of World Environment Day.
• With this, India’s total number of Ramsar wetlands rises to 91, the highest in Asia and third globally.
About Menar and Khichan Ramsar Site:
• Menar Wetland, Udaipur: Nickname: Bird Village Size: 104 hectares Biodiversity: Over 200 bird species including Eurasian coot, herons, spot-billed duck. Community-Driven Conservation: Local residents prohibit hunting/fishing; declared IBA in 2016. Tourism Value: Growing eco-tourism destination on Udaipur-Chittorgarh route.
• Nickname: Bird Village
• Size: 104 hectares
• Biodiversity: Over 200 bird species including Eurasian coot, herons, spot-billed duck.
• Community-Driven Conservation: Local residents prohibit hunting/fishing; declared IBA in 2016.
• Tourism Value: Growing eco-tourism destination on Udaipur-Chittorgarh route.
• Khichan Wetland, Phalodi: Known For: Migratory Demoiselle cranes Ecological Significance: Wintering site for large flocks of migratory birds. Community Role: Local traditions protect birds; acts as a critical stop along the Central Asian Flyway.
• Known For: Migratory Demoiselle cranes
• Ecological Significance: Wintering site for large flocks of migratory birds.
• Community Role: Local traditions protect birds; acts as a critical stop along the Central Asian Flyway.
About Ramsar Sites:
• What is a Ramsar Site? A wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention (1971, Ramsar, Iran – under UNESCO). Recognizes wetlands that provide critical ecosystem services, support biodiversity, and sustain local livelihoods.
• A wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention (1971, Ramsar, Iran – under UNESCO).
• Recognizes wetlands that provide critical ecosystem services, support biodiversity, and sustain local livelihoods.
• India Status on Ramsar Sites: India became a Ramsar signatory: February 1, 1982 First Ramsar Sites: Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) in 1981 Total Ramsar Sites (as of June 2025): 91 Coverage Area: ~13.59 lakh hectares India’s Global Ranking: 1st in Asia, 3rd Globally (after UK – 175 and Mexico – 142) Top States by Number of Sites: Tamil Nadu – 20 Uttar Pradesh – 10 Rajasthan – 4 (post Menar & Khichan addition) Eligibility Criteria (Any 1 of 9 Ramsar Criteria Required) Supports rare or endangered species. Hosts significant bird populations. Critical life cycle habitat (e.g., breeding or migration). Exemplary wetland ecosystem or unique hydrological characteristics.
• India became a Ramsar signatory: February 1, 1982
• First Ramsar Sites: Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) in 1981
• Total Ramsar Sites (as of June 2025): 91
• Coverage Area: ~13.59 lakh hectares
• India’s Global Ranking: 1st in Asia, 3rd Globally (after UK – 175 and Mexico – 142)
• 1st in Asia,
• 3rd Globally (after UK – 175 and Mexico – 142)
• Top States by Number of Sites: Tamil Nadu – 20 Uttar Pradesh – 10 Rajasthan – 4 (post Menar & Khichan addition)
• Tamil Nadu – 20
• Uttar Pradesh – 10
• Rajasthan – 4 (post Menar & Khichan addition)
• Eligibility Criteria (Any 1 of 9 Ramsar Criteria Required) Supports rare or endangered species. Hosts significant bird populations. Critical life cycle habitat (e.g., breeding or migration). Exemplary wetland ecosystem or unique hydrological characteristics.
• Supports rare or endangered species.
• Hosts significant bird populations.
• Critical life cycle habitat (e.g., breeding or migration).
• Exemplary wetland ecosystem or unique hydrological characteristics.