Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC (Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary)
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary, is a wetland sanctuary located in the state of Assam in northeastern India. The sanctuary is an important biodiversity hotspot in the region and is renowned for its rich avian diversity.
Deepor Beel is renowned for its rich avian diversity, with over 150 bird species recorded in the sanctuary. Among them, nine species are classified as threatened. This diverse bird population has led to the designation of the area as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
The sanctuary serves as a critical stopover point for many migratory birds during their annual journeys along the Central Asian Flyway. Birds from as far as Siberia and Mongolia migrate to Deepor Beel during the winter months, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists.
The surrounding areas of Deepor Beel are primarily used for rice cultivation, which can have implications for the water levels and ecology of the sanctuary.
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Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kamrup district of Assam in northeastern India. Specifically, it is situated southwest of Guwahati, the largest city in Assam. The sanctuary is positioned on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River.
Guwahati is the nearest major urban center and transportation hub to the sanctuary, making it relatively accessible for visitors.
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, also known as Guwahati Airport. This airport is located in Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, and is approximately 20-25 kilometers away from the sanctuary. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other modes of transportation to reach Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary.
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary is Guwahati Railway Station. Guwahati Railway Station is a major railway hub in the region and is well-connected to various cities across India. It is also located in Guwahati and is approximately 15-20 kilometers away from the sanctuary. You can take a train to Guwahati Railway Station and then proceed to the sanctuary by road.
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary History
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary has a history closely intertwined with its conservation efforts and recognition as an important wetland ecosystem. Here's an overview of its history:
Natural Formation: Deepor Beel is a natural, permanent freshwater lake that was formed by the geological processes of the Brahmaputra River basin. It has been an integral part of the local landscape for centuries, serving as a habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
Traditional Use: Historically, the local communities living around Deepor Beel utilized its resources for sustenance, including fishing and agriculture in the areas that dry out during the winter months.
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary Established: Over time, the ecological importance of Deepor Beel became more evident. In 1989, it was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary. This designation recognizes the wetland's significance for biodiversity, particularly as a critical habitat for resident and migratory bird species.
Important Bird Area (IBA): Due to its rich avifauna population, Deepor Beel was also designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). This recognition highlights its role as a critical stopover and breeding ground for numerous bird species, including several threatened and endangered ones.
Ramsar Site Status: The sanctuary was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002 due to its significance as a wetland ecosystem and its role in conserving migratory bird species.
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary covers an approximate area of about 4.14 square kilometers (1.6 square miles). This wetland sanctuary, located in Assam, India, is relatively small in size but is rich in biodiversity, particularly known for its avian diversity.
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary River
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary is primarily fed by the Basistha and Kalamoni rivers, along with local monsoon run-off between the months of May and September. These rivers and the monsoon runoff contribute to the water supply of Deepor Beel, maintaining its freshwater lake ecosystem.
Eventually, Deepor Beel drains into the Brahmaputra River, which is located approximately 5 kilometers away from the sanctuary. The interaction between these water bodies is essential to the overall hydrology and ecology of the sanctuary.
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around the Deepor Beel Lake. Deepor Beel is a permanent freshwater lake, and it is the central feature of the sanctuary. Here are some key characteristics of Deepor Beel Lake within the sanctuary:
Size: Deepor Beel covers an area of approximately 4.14 square kilometers (1.6 square miles). While it is not one of the largest lakes in India, it is significant in terms of its biodiversity and avian diversity.
Water Source: The main sources of water for Deepor Beel are the Basistha and Kalamoni rivers, which flow into the lake. Additionally, the lake receives water from local monsoon run-off between May and September.
Water Depth: The depth of Deepor Beel varies throughout the year. During the maximum flooding period, it can reach depths of around 4 meters, while during the dry season, the depth drops to about 1 meter.
Seasonal Changes: About half of the lake dries out during the winter months, leading to the exposure of the lakebed. These exposed shores are often converted into paddy fields by local communities.
Biodiversity: Deepor Beel Lake is renowned for its rich aquatic biodiversity, including various species of fish and aquatic plants. It is especially known for its importance as a habitat for a wide variety of bird species, both resident and migratory.
Conservation Status: The lake and its surrounding area were designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002 due to their significance in conserving wetland ecosystems and migratory bird species.
Deepor Beel Lake serves as the heart of the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary and plays a vital role in supporting the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit this wetland ecosystem. It is a critical habitat for birds and other aquatic life, making it a significant natural asset in the state of Assam, India.
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, particularly aquatic vegetation due to its status as a wetland ecosystem. Here are some of the notable flora species found in and around Deepor Beel:
(1) Aquatic Plants:
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes): Water hyacinth is a floating aquatic plant with distinctive lavender-blue flowers. It often forms dense mats on the water's surface.
Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes): Water lettuce is another floating aquatic plant with rosettes of pale green leaves. It is often found alongside water hyacinth.
Duckweed (Lemna minor): Duckweed is a tiny, free-floating aquatic plant that forms a green carpet on the water's surface.
Ottelia alismoides: Ottelia is a submerged aquatic plant with long, slender leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers.
(2) Terrestrial Plants:
Terminalia belerica: Terminalia belerica is a large tree commonly found in the surrounding forested areas. It is known for its medicinal properties and is one of the Terminalia species.
Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak is a valuable timber tree and is often planted in plantations. It is known for its high-quality wood.
Banyan (Ficus bengalensis): The banyan tree is known for its characteristic aerial roots, which give it a distinctive appearance.
Bombax malabaricum: Bombax malabaricum is a deciduous tree known for its large, showy red flowers.
(3) Giant Water Lily (Euryale ferox):
The Giant Water Lily is of considerable botanical and economic importance in the region. It is known for its large floating leaves and edible seeds.
(4) Other Aquatic Flora:
Deepor Beel and its surrounding areas host various other aquatic plants, including various species of reeds, rushes, and submerged plants, which provide important habitat and food for aquatic life.
The aquatic vegetation in Deepor Beel plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the wetland ecosystem, providing food and shelter for a variety of aquatic and avian species. These plants also contribute to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of the sanctuary.
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, particularly aquatic vegetation due to its status as a wetland ecosystem. Here are some of the notable flora species found in and around Deepor Beel:
Mammals:
- Leopard
- Asian Elephant
- Hoolock Gibbon
- Assamese Macaque
- Rhesus Macaque
- Capped Langur
- Slow Loris
- Jungle Cat
- Leopard Cat
- Civets
- Mongoose
- Sambar
- Barking Deer
- Chinese Pangolin
Birds:
- Baer’s Pochard
- Spotbilled Pelican
- White-cheeked Hill-Partridge
- Oriental White-backed Vulture
- Long-billed Vulture
- Eurasian Griffon
- Himalayan Griffon
- Greater Adjutant Stork
- Lesser Adjutant Stork
- Ferruginous Duck
- Siberian Crane
Reptiles:
- Turtles
- Tortoise
- Snakes
- Lizards
Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary situated?
A. Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Kamrup district of Assam in northeastern India.
Q. When was Deepor Beel declared as wildlife sanctuary?
A. Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Assam, India, was declared as a wildlife sanctuary on March 16, 1989. This designation aimed to protect and preserve the unique wetland ecosystem and the diverse flora and fauna found in and around Deepor Beel. Over the years, it has garnered recognition for its significance as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its rich avian diversity and ecological importance.
Q. Is Deepor Beel is a wildlife sanctuary?
A. Yes, Deepor Beel is indeed a wildlife sanctuary. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary on March 16, 1989. The sanctuary is located in Assam, India, and it is primarily known for its rich biodiversity, especially its avian diversity, making it a significant natural asset in the region. The sanctuary's designation aims to protect and conserve the unique wetland ecosystem and the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit it.
Q. Why Deepor Beel is called Ramsar site?
A. Deepor Beel is called a Ramsar site because it has been designated as such under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, an international treaty signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. The Ramsar Convention aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide.
Deepor Beel was designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance on February 19, 2002. This designation was granted because Deepor Beel meets the criteria set out by the Ramsar Convention for the recognition of important wetlands. These criteria include the wetland's ecological significance, its role in supporting biodiversity, and its importance for migratory bird species.
Here are some of the reasons why Deepor Beel received Ramsar site status:
(i) Biodiversity: Deepor Beel is home to a rich and diverse array of flora and fauna, including numerous bird species. It serves as a vital habitat for resident and migratory birds, making it significant for avian conservation.
(ii) Wetland Ecosystem: The wetland ecosystem of Deepor Beel is ecologically important, and its preservation is crucial for maintaining the overall health of the region's environment.
(iii) International Significance: As a stopover and wintering ground for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway, Deepor Beel plays a crucial role in the conservation of these species, some of which are endangered or vulnerable.
(iv) Conservation Recognition: The Ramsar designation provides international recognition and support for the conservation efforts in place to protect Deepor Beel and its unique wetland ecosystem.
In summary, Deepor Beel was designated as a Ramsar site because of its ecological significance, its role in supporting biodiversity, and its importance as a habitat for migratory birds, aligning with the goals of the Ramsar Convention to protect and conserve important wetlands worldwide.
Q. What is Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Rich Avian Diversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse birdlife, both resident and migratory species. It hosts over 150 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists. Some of the birds found here are endangered or vulnerable, adding to its significance.
(ii) Ramsar Wetland: Deepor Beel has been designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. This recognition underscores its ecological significance and the need for its conservation on a global scale.
(iii) Migratory Bird Habitat: It serves as a critical stopover and wintering ground for numerous migratory bird species traveling along the Central Asian Flyway. Many birds from distant regions, including Siberia and Mongolia, visit Deepor Beel during the winter months.
(iv) Important Bird Area (IBA): The sanctuary has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its importance in conserving avian species. This recognition highlights its role in protecting birdlife.
(v) Wetland Ecosystem: Deepor Beel is a permanent freshwater lake surrounded by wetland vegetation, making it a vital wetland ecosystem. It is home to diverse aquatic plants, fish, and other wildlife species.
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