Keoladeo National Park | Ramsar (Wetland) site in India

About Keoladeo National Park

1. Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, was designated as a Ramsar (Wetland) site on 1st October 1981.
2. It is also named Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
3. It is a man-made and man-managed wetland
4. It is located in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan
5. It is considered one of the richest bird areas.
6. It provides ideal habitat for the Siberian crane.
7. Area: 2,873 hectares
8. Designation: Criteria 2 – Criteria based on species and ecological communities
9. Protection Status: Keoladeo National Park
10. It was included in Montreaux Record in 1990 due to “water deficiency and an unstable grazing management”. 
11. Wetland Type: Freshwater marsh and swamp
12. Other Designations: UNESCO World Heritage Site
13. Management Authority: Rajasthan Forest Department
    

Values and Benefits of Keoladeo National Park

1. Groundwater recharge
2. Habitat for several migratory species
3. Tourism offers livelihood to local communities
4. Provide several medicinal and ornamental resources
5. Scientific and educational importance

Species richness found in Keoladeo National Park

• 375 Birds
• 57 Fishes
• 34 Mammals
• 32 Amphibians and Reptiles
• 372 Plants

Some important species found in Keoladeo National Park

1. Sarus Crane – classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
2. Greater Spotted Eagle – classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
3. Painted Stork – classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
4. Hog Deer – classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
5. Sambar – classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Major threats for Keoladeo National Park

1. Hydrological regime alteration
2. Encroachment
3. Invasive species proliferation like Water hyacinth, Knot grass, Mesquite and African catfish