Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary UPSC

The Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is loacted in the state of Jharkhand, India. It holds a significant position as the state's only bird sanctuary. The sanctuary comprises two serene backwater lakes, Patauda and Berhale, situated on the floodplain of the revered river Ganga.

The Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary attracts a plethora of birds during the dry season from October to May. Migratory birds from distant lands, including Siberia and Europe, grace the sanctuary, adding to its allure.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Lake
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary Location

The Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is located in the Sahebganj district of the Indian state of Jharkhand. It is situated in a small village called Udhwa, which is named after Saint Uddhava, a friend of Lord Krishna in the Mahabharatha. The sanctuary is located at the flood plain of the river Ganga (also known as the Ganges).

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The Birsa Munda Airport is approximately 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) from Udhwa.

Nearest Railway Station:

Regarding the nearest railway station, the Sahibganj Junction Railway Station serves as the closest railway station to Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary. The Sahibganj Junction Railway Station is located in Sahibganj town, which is around 20 kilometers (approximately 12 miles) from Udhwa.

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary History

1. Name Origin: The Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary derives its name from the small village of Udhwa, which holds historical significance as the place of Saint Uddhava, a revered friend of Lord Krishna in the Mahabharatha.

2. Establishment: In 1991, the sanctuary was established to safeguard and conserve the diverse bird species found in the region. Designated as the sole bird sanctuary in the state of Jharkhand, it plays a crucial role in preserving the natural heritage and biodiversity of the area.

3. An Important Bird Area (IBA): Recognized for its significance in avian habitat conservation, the Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary holds the distinction of being identified as an 'Important Bird Area.' This recognition underscores the importance of the sanctuary for the protection of various bird species and their ecosystems.

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary Area

The Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary spans an area of approximately 5.65 square kilometers. The sanctuary's expanse includes two backwater lakes, Patauda and Berhale, which together contribute to the unique ecological diversity of the area and attract a variety of avian life.

The sanctuary's relatively small size makes it an accessible and essential refuge for both indigenous and migratory birds during the dry season of the year.

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary River

The Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is located on the floodplain of the river Ganga (also known as the Ganges). Specifically, it is situated on the backwater lakes of the river Ganges, namely Patauda and Berhale. These two water bodies are interconnected by a water channel within the sanctuary.

The sanctuary's proximity to the river Ganga makes it an attractive habitat for various bird species, and it provides an essential source of water and food for the avian population throughout the year. The river's presence contributes to the overall ecological richness and biodiversity of the Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, making it a vital conservation area in the state of Jharkhand, India.

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary Lake

The Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary encompasses Patauda and Berhale lake. These two lakes are backwater lakes formed on the floodplain of the river Ganga (Ganges) and are crucial components of the sanctuary's ecosystem.

(1) Patauda Lake:

Patauda is a relatively clean water body located within the Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary. It has an average depth of about 2 meters and is surrounded by hillocks and plantations. The clean and serene environment of Patauda Lake provides a favorable habitat for various bird species, attracting both indigenous and migratory birds during different times of the year.

(2) Berhale Lake:

Berhale is another important lake within the Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary. Unlike Patauda, Berhale Lake is shallow, with an average depth of about 70 centimeters. It is characterized by its coverage of aquatic vegetation, interspersed with small pockets of clear water. This unique aquatic habitat provides shelter and feeding grounds for numerous bird species, making it an integral part of the sanctuary's ecological diversity.

The presence of these two lakes, along with the water channel connecting them, creates a diverse and thriving environment for birds, making the Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary an important avian habitat in the state of Jharkhand, India.

The lakes play a crucial role in attracting migratory birds from different parts of the world during the winter season and providing a safe haven for both resident and visiting bird populations.

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary Flora

The Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary boasts a diverse range of flora that contributes to the ecological richness and attractiveness of the area for avian species. The flora found in and around the sanctuary includes various types of vegetation, aquatic plants, and trees that provide nesting sites, food sources, and shelter for the bird population.

Some of the key types of flora found in the Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary are:

(1) Aquatic Plants:

The lakes Patauda and Berhale, which are part of the sanctuary, are surrounded by aquatic vegetation. Various species of water plants such as water lilies, lotus, water hyacinth, and various types of submerged and floating plants thrive in these water bodies. These aquatic plants provide nesting areas and shelter for waterfowl and other aquatic bird species.

(2) Wetland Plants:

The wetland areas surrounding the lakes are home to a variety of wetland plants, including reeds, sedges, rushes, and marsh grasses. These plants create important habitats for various bird species, including waders and waterfowl.

(3) Trees and Shrubs:

The sanctuary's landscape includes trees and shrubs that provide nesting sites and food sources for birds. Common tree species found in the area may include species like banyan, peepal, neem, and various types of acacia. Shrubs like lantana and other thorny bushes also provide cover and shelter for birds.

(4) Grasses and Meadows:

The open meadows and grasslands within and around the sanctuary provide foraging grounds for many bird species. These areas may contain different grass species and herbaceous plants that attract birds seeking insects, seeds, and other food sources.

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, especially avian species, making it an important habitat for both resident and migratory birds. The sanctuary's location on the floodplain of the river Ganga, along with its two backwater lakes—Patauda and Berhale—creates an ideal environment for various bird species.

Some of the prominent fauna found in the Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary include:

Mammals:

While the primary focus of the Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is on avian species, there might be some mammalian species found in the surrounding forests and grasslands. Some of the common mammal species that could be encountered in and around the sanctuary may include:

Langurs
Civets
Deer
Wild Boar

Birds:

Nordmann’s Greenshank or Spotted Greenshank
Black-necked Stork
Oriental White-backed Vulture
Lesser Adjutant
Pallas’s Fish Eagle
Oriental Darter
Oriental White Ibis

Migratory birds reach Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary every winter from several parts of the World, including Siberia and Europe. The main birds include the pratincole, egret, wagtail, plover, lapwing, stork, ibis and heron.

Reptiles:

Indian Python
Monitor Lizards
Turtles