In News:

India has added two more wetlands to the list of Ramsar Sites of International Importance-Siliserh Lake in Rajasthan and Kopra Jalashay in Chhattisgarh. These designations highlight the ecological significance of inland water bodies in biodiversity conservation and water security.

Siliserh Lake

• Siliserh Lake is located in Rajasthan, within the buffer zone of the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
• It is a human-made lake constructed in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh to provide drinking water to Alwar city.
• Situated in a semi-arid region, the lake serves as a crucial water source for wildlife and local communities. Its hydrological presence supports diverse habitats in an otherwise water-scarce landscape.

Biodiversity Significance

The wetland supports around 149 bird species and 17 mammal species. Notable fauna include:

• The vulnerable river tern
• The endangered tiger from the adjoining Sariska landscape

It also supports more than 1% of the biogeographic population of the black stork (Ciconia nigra), which is an important criterion under the Ramsar Convention.

Kopra Jalashay

• Kopra Jalashay is located in Chhattisgarh and is a reservoir situated in the upper catchment of the Mahanadi River.
• Its ecological importance arises from strong hydrological and habitat connectivity, which supports multiple wetland-dependent ecosystems.

Biodiversity Significance

The site supports over 60 migratory bird species, making it an important stopover, feeding, and nesting ground along avian migration routes.

Key species recorded here include:

• The vulnerable greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga)
• The endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus)