Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Patna Bird Sanctuary

Patna Bird Sanctuary UPSC (Smallest Bird Sanctuary in UP)

Patna Bird Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the smallest bird sanctuary in the state. It serves as a crucial wintering ground for migratory birds.


Table of Contents

  • Location
  • History
  • Area
  • Flora
  • Fauna
  • UPSC Questions


Patna Bird Sanctuary Location

Patna Bird Sanctuary is located in the Jalesar sub division of Etah district in Uttar Pradesh, India. It encompassing a lentic lake that is an important wintering ground for migrating birds.


Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Patna Bird Sanctuary is Kheria Airport, also known as Agra Airport, which is approximately 100 kilometers away.


Nearest Railway Station:

For railway access, the nearest railway station to Patna Bird Sanctuary is Jalesar Railway Station. Additionally, Etah is another convenient railhead for visiting the sanctuary.




Patna Bird Sanctuary History

1. Establishment: In the year 1991, Patna Bird Sanctuary was officially established as a protected area for avifauna. The sanctuary was designated to provide a safe haven for migratory birds during their winter sojourn.


2. Smallest Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh: Patna Bird Sanctuary holds the distinction of being the smallest bird sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh, with a lake area of only 1 square kilometer (0.39 square miles). Despite its modest size, the sanctuary has proven to be an important habitat for various migratory bird species, serving as a crucial wintering ground for these winged visitors.


3. Conservation Efforts and Significance: Patna Bird Sanctuary's establishment and conservation efforts play a vital role in the preservation of avian biodiversity in the region. By providing a protected environment for migratory birds, the sanctuary contributes to the conservation and study of these species, aiding in their long-term survival.




Patna Bird Sanctuary Area

Patna Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 1.09 km2 (108 hectares). It is the smallest bird sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh, with a wetland area of only 1 km2. 


Despite being relatively small in size, the sanctuary serves as an important habitat for various bird species, particularly during the winter season. Its compact area has been designated and protected to provide a safe environment for migratory birds, contributing to their conservation and the preservation of avian biodiversity in the region.




Patna Bird Sanctuary Flora

The flora within the Patna Bird Sanctuary consists of a variety of plant species that contribute to the ecosystem and provide a habitat for the avian population. The sanctuary supports a mix of aquatic plants, wetland vegetation, and surrounding terrestrial vegetation.


Wetland plants like reeds, grasses, sedges, and rushes are found in sanctuary as they offer shelter, nesting sites, and food sources for birds. These plants also help maintain the ecological balance and water quality within the sanctuary. Additionally, trees and shrubs in the surrounding areas may provide perching and roosting sites for birds.


The presence of diverse flora in the sanctuary is crucial for attracting and sustaining a rich avian population. The specific plant species and their distribution may vary depending on the local climate, soil type, and water conditions within the sanctuary.




Patna Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Patna Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The Patna Bird Sanctuary is known for its diverse avian fauna, attracting a wide range of bird species, particularly during the winter season. 


Mammals:

  • Jackal
  • Wild Boar
  • Mongoose


Birds:

Which birds are found in Patna Bird Sanctuary?

The important aquatic birds inhabiting lake are:

  • Lesser Whistling-Duck
  • Graylag Goose
  • Comb Duck
  • Ruddy Shelduck
  • Gadwall
  • Eurasian Wigeon
  • Indian Spot-billed Duck
  • Northern Shoveler
  • Northern Pintail
  • Green-winged teal
  • Common pochard
  • Ferruginous duck
  • Baer's pochard
  • Tufted duck
  • Indian peafowl
  • Common quail
  • Black francolin
  • Gray francolin
  • Little grebe
  • Asian openbill
  • Woolly-necked stork
  • Black-necked stork
  • Little cormorant
  • Great cormorant
  • Purple heron
  • Cattle egret
  • Indian pond-heron
  • Black-headed ibis
  • Red-naped ibis
  • Eurasian spoonbill
  • Black-shouldered kite
  • Egyptian vulture
  • Booted eagle
  • Bonelli's eagle
  • Shikra
  • Black kite
  • Eurasian coot
  • Sarus crane
  • Black-winged stilt
  • Black-tailed godwit
  • Laughing dove
  • Greater coucal
  • Rose-ringed parakeet
  • Plum-headed parakeet
  • Long-tailed shrike
  • Black drongo
  • Rufous treepie
  • Ashy-crowned sparrow-lark
  • Bengal bushlark
  • Red-vented bulbul
  • Plain leaf warbler
  • Ashy prinia
  • Plain prinia
  • Common babbler
  • Oriental magpie-robin
  • Brahminy starling
  • Common myna
  • Bank myna
  • Purple sunbird
  • Indian silverbill
  • Scaly-breasted munia


Reptiles:

  • Snakes
  • Turtles
  • Lizards




Patna Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Patna Bird Sanctuary?

A. Patna Bird Sanctuary is located in the Jalesar sub division of Etah district in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Patna Bird Sanctuary

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