Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary UPSC

The Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is a popular bird sanctuary located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The sanctuary is named after the Sur Sarovar, also known as the Keetham Lake, a man-made lake that serves as the centerpiece of the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of resident and migratory birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Lake
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary Location

The Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is located in Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the city center of Agra.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is the Agra Airport, also known as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport. It is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, at a distance of about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is the Agra Cantonment Railway Station, commonly known as Agra Cantt. It is one of the major railway stations in Agra and is located approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) away from the sanctuary.

Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary History

1. Declared a Bird Sanctuary: The Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary received its official status as a bird sanctuary in 1991. This designation marked a significant step towards conserving and protecting the diverse avian biodiversity that calls this sanctuary home.

2. Cultural Significance: The sanctuary's name pays homage to Soordas, a renowned poet in Hindi literature. Soordas was born blind, and it is believed that his birthplace lies within the sanctuary's boundaries. By naming the sanctuary after this influential figure, it not only highlights the natural wonders within its limits but also commemorates the cultural heritage associated with the area.

3. Important Bird Area (IBA) Status: The Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary has gained recognition as an Important Bird Area (IBA). This designation highlights the sanctuary's significance as a crucial habitat for a wide range of bird species. It signifies the sanctuary's importance in maintaining avian populations and emphasizes the need for their conservation and protection.

4. Ramsar Site Designation: On August 21, 2020, the Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary was designated as a Ramsar site. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance, recognized for their ecological value and the diverse flora and fauna they support.

Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary Area

The Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 7.97 square kilometers. This area includes the man-made Sur Sarovar lake, surrounding wetlands, and the diverse habitats within the sanctuary. The sanctuary's size provides ample space for various bird species to thrive and visitors to explore the natural wonders it has to offer.

Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary River

The Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is situated along the banks of the River Yamuna. The sanctuary is characterized by the presence of the Sur Sarovar lake, which is a man-made reservoir created by damming a tributary of the River Yamuna.

The river plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of the sanctuary, providing a source of water and supporting the surrounding wetlands and vegetation. The River Yamuna, with its flow and water supply, contributes to the overall health and vitality of the sanctuary's habitats.

Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary Lake

The Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is centered around the Sur Sarovar lake, popularly known as Keetham jheel, covering area of 2.25sq km. Sur Sarovar is a man-made lake created by damming the River Yamuna. The lake is the centerpiece of the sanctuary and covers a significant portion of its area.

Sur Sarovar lake is known for its serene beauty and serves as a vital habitat for various bird species. The lake provides essential freshwater resources for the resident and migratory birds that visit the sanctuary. Its calm waters and surrounding wetlands offer a conducive environment for birds to forage, breed, and rest during their migration.

Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary Flora

The Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is blessed with diverse flora that contributes to its rich ecological landscape. The sanctuary encompasses various habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and woodland areas, each supporting a unique range of plant species.

Here are some notable flora found within the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary:

(1) Aquatic Plants:

The Sur Sarovar lake and its wetlands harbor a variety of aquatic plants such as water lilies, lotus, and various submerged vegetation. These plants provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for birds, fish, and other aquatic organisms.

(2) Reeds and Grasses:

The wetlands and marshy areas of the sanctuary are adorned with tall reeds, sedges, and grasses. These plants, including species like Phragmites, Typha, and Cyperus, form dense stands that offer nesting sites and protective cover for birds and small mammals.

(3) Trees and Shrubs:

The woodland areas of the sanctuary are home to several tree and shrub species. Common tree species include Acacia, Neem, Babul, Arjun, and Banyan. These trees provide shade, nesting sites, and food sources for a variety of bird species. Shrubs such as Lantana and Berberis also add to the floral diversity.

(4) Grassland Vegetation:

Open grassland patches within the sanctuary support a mix of grass species like Cynodon, Heteropogon, and Themeda. These grasses provide foraging areas for herbivorous animals and attract certain bird species.

Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, offering a haven for various animal species. While the sanctuary is primarily renowned for its avian biodiversity, it also supports a variety of other wildlife.

Here are some notable fauna found within the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary:

Mammals:

Several mammal species can be found within the sanctuary, including:

Golden Jackal
Jungle Cat
Nilgai
Hyena

Birds:

Greater Spotted Eagle
Sarus crane
Greylag Goose
Grey Heron
Egrets
Cormorants
Northern Pintail
Wigeon
Northern Shoveler
Gadwal
Spotbilled Duck
Comb Duck
Painted Stork
Openbill Stork
Black-necked Stork
Lesser Adjutant
Eurasian Spoonbill
White Ibis
Great White Pelican

Reptiles:

The Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is also home to various reptiles. Common reptilian species include the Indian python, Indian cobra, Russell's viper, common monitor lizard, and several species of turtles and tortoises. These reptiles contribute to the overall ecosystem and are an important part of the sanctuary's biodiversity.