Description

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Context:

The Khichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) wetlands in Rajasthan have been declared Ramsar Sites, bringing India's total to 91, the highest in Asia.

About Khichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) wetlands:

Khichan is famous for hosting thousands of migrant Demoiselle Cranes, while Menar (Bird Village) is recognized for its community-led bird conservation efforts.

There are now 4 Ramsar sites in Rajasthan, including Sambhar Lake (Nagaur and Jaipur) and Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur).

Attribute	Menar Wetland	Khichan Wetland
Location	Rajasthan	Northern Thar Desert, Rajasthan
Type	Freshwater monsoon wetland complex	Desert wetland ecosystem
Water Bodies	Braham Talab, Dhand Talab, Kheroda Talab, connected by agricultural land	Ratri Nadi (river) and Vijaysagar Talab (pond)
Seasonal Dynamics	Farmlands flood during monsoon, forming seasonal wetland habitat	Supports water bodies in arid conditions, with seasonal bird migration
Notable Bird Species	White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus)	Demoiselle cranes (Anthropoides virgo) – over 22,000 individuals annually
Plant Species	Over 70 species; Mango trees (Mangifera indica) around Braham Talab	Drought-resistant scrubland and riparian vegetation
Mammals Present	Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) roosting in mango trees	Not specifically mentioned
Conservation Highlight	Exemplary case of community-led conservation; villagers prevent poaching and fishing	Known for attracting bird-watchers, tourists, students, and scientists due to large crane gatherings
Ecological Importance	Provides seasonal wetland habitat; important for endangered vulture conservation	Critical wintering site for migratory cranes; supports desert biodiversity

About Wetlands:

They are marsh, fen, peatland, or areas of water (natural or artificial) with water, which includes the sea area, which does not exceed the depth six meters.
The wetlands are Ecotone, which are land transitional between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

About Ramsar Convention:

It was adopted in Ramsar, Iran in 1971, and provides a global framework for Wetland protection and intelligent use. India joined it in 1982.
The Montrex record (threatened list) lists humid land with ecological character that deteriorates due to human activity or pollution. India has two wetlands in Montrex records:
Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan (1990): A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Loktak Lake, Manipur (1993): The largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, which is known for its phumdis (temporary mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter).
The Chilika Lake was included in the Montrex record in 1993, but was removed in 2002 (first site from Asia).

Source: Hindustan Times

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the recently designated Ramsar Sites in Rajasthan:

Khichan Wetland is located in the northern Thar Desert and is known for hosting thousands of migratory Demoiselle Cranes annually.
Menar Wetland, also called the 'Bird Village', is a desert wetland ecosystem supported by the Ratri Nadi and Vijaysagar Talab.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Khichan is located in the northern Thar Desert and hosts over 22,000 Demoiselle Cranes annually.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Menar is a freshwater monsoon wetland complex, not a desert wetland ecosystem; Ratri Nadi and Vijaysagar Talab are associated with Khichan, not Menar.