Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary UPSC (Nagi Nakti Bird Sanctuary UPSC)

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary is located in the state of Bihar, India. It is a renowned haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Declared a bird sanctuary under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the area is home to over 133 bird species, both migratory and resident.

The sanctuary's most notable feature is its attraction of thousands of migratory birds during the winter season, particularly from November to February.

The sanctuary's fame extends beyond birdwatching opportunities; it hosts Bihar's first state-level bird festival called "Kalrav." This festival aims to raise awareness about bird conservation and wetland preservation while inviting experts from across the country to share their knowledge.

Aside from its avian inhabitants, Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary showcases unique rock formations called "tors," found only in Hampi, Karnataka, besides this sanctuary.

Table of Contents Location History Area River Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary Location

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary is located in the Jamui district of Bihar, India. It is situated near the Jharkhand border. 

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary is approximately 200 km away in Patna, Bihar. 

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary is Jhajha railway station, which is about 12 km away. Alternatively, Jamui railway station is another nearby option, located approximately 31 km from the sanctuary.

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary History

1. Establishment: Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary was declared a bird sanctuary on 25th February 1984 under Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This declaration aimed to protect the diverse avian population and their habitats in the area.

2. Final Notification: The final notification under Section 26A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which is a crucial step in the formal establishment of a sanctuary, was issued on 4th September 2009. This notification solidifies the legal status of the sanctuary and provides a framework for its management and conservation.

3. Recognition as an Important Bird Area (IBA): In 2004, Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary was declared an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. IBAs are globally significant sites identified for the conservation of birds and their habitats.

4. Bird Festivals: In 2021, Bihar's first state-level bird festival called 'Kalrav' was held at Nagi-Nakti bird sanctuaries in the Jamui district. This event was intended to create awareness about bird conservation and their habitat, the wetlands, and involved discussions with experts from different parts of the country to promote the identification and protection of rare bird species.

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary Area

Nagi Dam covers an area of approximately 791 hectares, while Nakti Dam covers an area of about 332 hectares. Both these sanctuaries are vital for the conservation of bird species and their habitats in the region. Being adjacent and sharing similar ecological features, they likely support a diverse range of birdlife, making the combined area an essential zone for migratory and resident birds.

The close proximity of the two sanctuaries might facilitate the movement and foraging patterns of birds, and it would be beneficial for birdwatchers and researchers interested in observing and studying avian species in this broader bird area.

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary River

Nagi Dam, which is part of Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary, derives water from the Nagi River and various streams such as Karma, Tarakura, and Gauradangi. The presence of these water sources is likely to be a significant factor in creating a favorable habitat for various bird species in the sanctuary.

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary's proximity to these water sources and its interconnectedness with the nearby Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary likely contribute to its significance as a vital area for migratory and resident bird populations. These habitats provide a safe haven for the birds during their breeding, nesting, and foraging activities, making the sanctuary an ideal place for birdwatchers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts.

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary Flora

Flora found in Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary include:

(1) Aquatic Plants:

These are plants that grow partially or entirely submerged in water. Examples include water lilies, lotus, water hyacinth, duckweed, and various species of submerged grasses and aquatic vegetation.

(2) Marsh Plants:

Plants that are adapted to grow in waterlogged or muddy areas around the edges of wetlands. They may include cattails, bulrushes, reeds, sedges, and various types of marsh grasses.

(3) Floating Plants:

These are plants that float on the water's surface. They can provide shelter and food for birds. Examples include water ferns, water lettuce, and floating duckweed.

(4) Riparian Vegetation:

These are plants that grow along the banks of rivers, streams, and other water bodies. Trees like willows, alders, and poplars, as well as shrubs and grasses, are common riparian plants.

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary Animals)

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary is known for its rich and diverse fauna, especially avian species, given its status as a bird sanctuary. However, apart from birds, the sanctuary also supports various other forms of wildlife. Here are some of the key fauna found in Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Northern Plains Gray Langur
• Indian Gray Mongoose
• Jungle Cat
• Indian Palm Civet
• Indian Flying Fox
• Indian Gerbil

Birds:

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary is primarily known for its diverse avian population, attracting both migratory and resident bird species. Some of the bird species that can be observed in the sanctuary include:

(i) Migratory Birds:

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary is known to attract a significant number of migratory birds during the winter season, especially from October to February. Some of the migratory bird species that can be observed in the sanctuary include:

• Bar-headed Geese
• Eurasian Marsh Harrier
• Greater Short-toed Lark
• Mallard
• Common Tern 
• Western Yellow Wagtail
• Olive-backed Pipit
• Blue Rock Thrush
• Common Snipe
• Blyth's Reed Warbler
• Falcated Duck
• Kentish Plover
• Steppe Eagle
• Eurasian Wigeon
• Common Pochard
• Greylag Goose
• Tufted Duck
• Northern Pintail
• Ferruginous Duck
• Gadwall
• Red-crested Pochard
• Northern Shoveler
• Black-necked Stork
• Jacobin Cuckoo
• Common Kestrel
• Barn Swallow
• Osprey

Note- Around 1,600 bar-headed geese, which is about 3% of the global population of this variety, have been seen in Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary.

(ii) Resident Birds:

Apart from the migratory birds that visit Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary during the winter season, the sanctuary also provides a habitat for a variety of resident bird species that are present throughout the year. Some of the resident bird species that can be observed in the sanctuary include:

• Indian Robin
• Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark
• Asian Koel
• Asian Pied Starling
• Bank Myna
• Baya Weaver
• Black-bellied Tern
• Black Drongo
• Black-headed Ibis
• Black-hooded Oriole
• Black Kite
• Black-winged Kite
• Brahminy Starling
• Bronze-winged Jacana
• Indian Silverbill
• Indian Roller
• Cattle Egret
• Brown-headed Barbet
• House Crow
• Large-billed Crow
• Common Hawk-Cuckoo
• Common Hoopoe
• Common Kingfisher
• Common Myna
• White-throated Kingfisher
• Common Tailorbird
• Coppersmith Barbet
• Eurasian Collared Dove
• Spotted Dove
• Rufous Treepie
• Jungle Babbler
• Asian Green Bee-eater
• Gray Francolin
• Indian Grey Hornbill
• House Sparrow
• Indian Chat

Reptiles:

• Indian Python
• Indian Cobra
• Indian Rat Snake
• Checkered Keelback
• Indian Monitor Lizard

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Nagi Nakti Bird Sanctuary?

A. Nagi Nakti Bird Sanctuary is located in the Jamui district of south Bihar, near the Jharkhand border.

Q. On which river is Nakti Dam situated?

A.  Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary is located on Nagi River. 

Q. What is Nagi Nakti Bird Sanctuary famous for?

A. Nagi Bird Sanctuary, also known as Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary, is famous for being a significant habitat for a wide variety of bird species, both migratory and resident. The sanctuary's fame primarily stems from its importance as a crucial site for birdwatching and avian conservation in the Jamui district of south Bihar, near the Jharkhand border.

Here are some reasons why Nagi Bird Sanctuary is famous:

(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is home to over 133 bird species, making it a biodiversity hotspot for avian life. It attracts a diverse range of birds throughout the year, including migratory birds during the winter season.

(ii) Migratory Birds: Thousands of migratory birds congregate in the reservoir during the winter season, especially from November to February. Some of the migratory bird species found here, such as the bar-headed geese, are of global significance.

(iii) Important Bird Area (IBA): In 2004, Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary was declared an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. IBAs are globally recognized sites identified for their significance in conserving birds and their habitats.

(iv) Kalrav Bird Festival: Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary hosts the "Kalrav" bird festival, which is Bihar's first state-level bird festival. The event is intended to create awareness about bird conservation and wetland preservation, inviting experts from different parts of the country to discuss bird identification and protection.

(v) Unique Rock Formation: The sanctuary is unique for its rock formation, known as "tor" in the Jamui area. This geological feature, available only in Hampi in Karnataka apart from Nagi Dam, adds to the sanctuary's attraction.