Rajasthan’s Kichan and Menar Declared New Ramsar Sites – India Now Has 91 Wetlands of International Importance

Key Points for SSC, UPSC & Other Govt Exams

  • Kichan and Menar Wetlands, located in Rajasthan, added as new Ramsar Sites in 2025.
  • India now has 91 Ramsar Sites – the highest number in Asia.
  • These wetlands are known for migratory birds, vulture species, and community-led conservation.
  • Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971 to promote the conservation of wetlands of international importance.
  • Demoiselle Cranes in Kichan and critically endangered vultures in Menar are key species of interest.
  • Both sites are models of community-based conservation.

Complete Details

What is a Ramsar Site?

Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. These wetlands perform crucial ecological functions like:

  • Supporting biodiversity
  • Controlling floods
  • Groundwater recharge
  • Water purification
  • Providing breeding grounds for endangered flora and fauna

India’s 91 Ramsar sites reflect its growing commitment to global biodiversity conservation goals.

About Menar Wetland

  • Location: Udaipur district, Rajasthan
  • Type: Freshwater monsoon-fed wetland complex
  • Major Water Bodies:
    • Braham Talab
    • Dhand Talab
    • Kheroda Talab
  • Key Species:
    • White-rumped Vulture (Critically Endangered)
    • Long-billed Vulture (Critically Endangered)
  • Special Feature: Community-led conservation – villagers actively prevent poaching and illegal fishing
  • Flooded during monsoon – ideal conditions for migratory water birds

About Kichan Wetland

  • Location: Phalodi region, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan
  • Type: Semi-arid desert wetland ecosystem
  • Main Water Bodies:
    • Ratri Nadi (a seasonal river)
    • Vijaysagar Talab
  • Key Species:
    • Demoiselle Cranes (thousands gather in winter)
    • 150+ other bird species
  • Ecological Value:
    • Habitat for drought-tolerant flora
    • Important stopover for migratory birds in the Thar Desert
  • Tourism and Research: Popular site for birdwatchers and ecologists

Community Role in Conservation

Both Kichan and Menar are unique because of active community participation:

  • Residents in Menar banned poaching and fishing voluntarily.
  • Locals in Kichan feed and protect cranes.
  • Community conservation model is essential for the long-term health of these wetlands.

National and Global Context

  • With 91 Ramsar Sites, India leads Asia in wetland conservation.
  • This move strengthens India’s compliance with:
    • Ramsar Convention (1971)
    • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
    • UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 15 – Life on Land)

Know About: Rajasthan

  • Capital: Jaipur
  • Chief Minister (2025): Bhajan Lal Sharma
  • Governor: Kalraj Mishra
  • Major National Parks:
    • Ranthambore National Park
    • Sariska Tiger Reserve
    • Keoladeo Ghana National Park (also a Ramsar site)
  • Important Rivers: Chambal, Banas, Luni
  • Geographic Region: Covers major part of the Thar Desert
  • Famous Wetlands: Sambhar Lake, Keoladeo National Park, Kichan, Menar

Possible Exam Questions (MCQs)

1. As of 2025, how many Ramsar Sites does India have?
A. 89
B. 91
C. 93
D. 95
Answer: B. 91

2. Kichan Wetland is famous for which migratory bird species?
A. Greater Flamingo
B. Demoiselle Crane
C. Black-necked Stork
D. Bar-headed Goose
Answer: B. Demoiselle Crane

3. Which critically endangered species is found in Menar Wetland?
A. Indian Skimmer
B. White-rumped Vulture
C. Bengal Florican
D. Nilgiri Tahr
Answer: B. White-rumped Vulture

4. The Ramsar Convention was signed in which year?
A. 1970
B. 1971
C. 1980
D. 1992
Answer: B. 1971

5. In which state are the newly declared Ramsar sites Kichan and Menar located?
A. Gujarat
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Rajasthan
D. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: C. Rajasthan

6. What is the capital of Rajasthan?
A. Jodhpur
B. Ajmer
C. Bikaner
D. Jaipur
Answer: D. Jaipur