Samaspur Bird Sanctuary UPSC

Samaspur Bird Sanctuary is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It provides a habitat for birds, both local and migratory. The sanctuary is home to more than 250 varieties of birds. Some of these birds travel long distances.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Lake
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Samaspur Bird Sanctuary Location

The Samaspur Bird Sanctuary is located near Salon in the Raebareli district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated approximately 122 km from Lucknow on the Lucknow-Varanasi highway.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest Airport is Lucknow, which is approximately 122 kilometer from Samaspur Bird Sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest Railway station is Raebareli, which is approximately 44 kilometers from Samaspur Bird Sanctuary.

Samaspur Bird Sanctuary History

1 . Establishment: The Samaspur Bird Sanctuary was established in 1987 with the aim of conserving and protecting the diverse bird species found in the area.

2. Samaspur Bird Sanctuary Declared Ramsar Site: In 2019, the Samaspur Bird Sanctuary was declared a Ramsar site, recognizing its international importance as a wetland of significant ecological value. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty aimed at conserving and sustainably using wetlands worldwide.

3. Conservation Importance: Since its establishment, the Samaspur Bird Sanctuary has played a crucial role in bird conservation efforts. It has raised awareness about the importance of protecting avian species and their habitats. The sanctuary serves as a vital site for research, birdwatching, and nature-based activities.

Samaspur Bird Sanctuary Area

The Samaspur Bird Sanctuary covers an area of about 7.99 square kilometers (or approximately 799 hectares).

Samaspur Bird Sanctuary Lake

The Samaspur Bird Sanctuary is characterized by a series of six interconnected lakes that heavily rely on monsoon rains. These lakes play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance and providing a suitable habitat for a diverse range of bird species.

The sanctuary, spanning an area of about 7.99 square kilometers, thrives during the monsoon season when the lakes fill up with water, attracting migratory birds and creating a vibrant ecosystem. The availability of water in these interconnected lakes supports the rich biodiversity and contributes to the sanctuary's significance as a haven for avian species.

Samaspur Bird Sanctuary Flora

The Samaspur Bird Sanctuary boasts a diverse array of flora, contributing to its thriving ecological environment. The sanctuary showcases a variety of vegetation, including terrestrial and aquatic plant species.

The sanctuary's flora is encompass wetland plants, shrubs, trees, and aquatic vegetation. However, the sanctuary faces a challenge from invasive species, with over 40% of documented floral species being exotic. These invasive plants threaten the sanctuary's ecological character by outcompeting native species and disrupting natural habitats.

It is crucial to implement effective monitoring, management, and restoration strategies to control the spread of invasive species and safeguard the sanctuary's biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Samaspur Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Samaspur Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The Samaspur Bird Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Here are some notable examples:

Mammals:

Common mammal species found in the region is Jackal, Indian fox, Indian hare, mongoose, and various bat species.

Birds:

The Samaspur Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 250 varieties of birds documented in the area.

Local Bird Species:

Comb Duck
Whistling Teal
Spot-Billed Duck
Spoonbill
Kingfisher
Vultures

Migratory Bird Species:

Additionally, several migratory bird species travel long distances of up to 5000 km to reach the sanctuary. These migratory birds includel:

Greylag Goose
Pintail
Common Teal
Eurasian Wigeon
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Shelduck (Surkhab)

Reptiles:

Reptiles commonly found in wetland habitats in the region may include turtles, snakes, and lizards.