News Highlights:
- The Rajasthan state Forest Department has recently suggested building a zoo inside Keoladeo National Park, a World Heritage Site also known as the Bharatpur bird sanctuary.
- The purpose of this zoo, called Wetland ex-situ Conservation Establishment (WESCE), is to display a variety of wetland wildlife, including rhinos, water buffalo, crocs, dolphins, and exotic species.
Wetland ex-situ Conservation Establishment (WESCE):
- Purpose:
- The goal of the Wetland Ex-Situ Conservation Establishment (WESCE), according to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Rajasthan Forestry and Biodiversity Development Project (RFBDP), is to restore the bio-diversity of Keoladeo National Park, consequently enhancing its outstanding universal qualities.
- The WESCE plan is part of the ambitious RFBDP for which Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the overseas development arm of the French government, has agreed to fund up to Rs 12 crore over eight years.
- Facilities:
- Inside Keoladeo National Park, the DPR reports that several facilities are planned, including: – A breeding and reintroduction centre for locally extinct species (otters, fishing cats, blackbucks, hog deer, etc.).
- There are plans for a crocodile and dolphin aquarium and enclosures for huge wetland species, including Indian rhinos, water buffalo, and barasinghas (swamp deer).
- Concerns:
- Experts have expressed concerns about the proposed zoo’s location in a crucial migratory bird habitat on a global scale.
- The forest administration has decided to transfer the building activity 1-2 km away from the (national park) boundary where there is enough forest land out of concern.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park:
- About:
- Keoladeo Ghana National Park (formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is located in the State of Rajasthan.
- It is India’s important wintering area for large numbers of aquatic birds.
- It is also well known for its large assembly of non-migratory resident breeding birds and is a crucial bird-watching site.
- Different species from far-flung areas and countries like Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Siberia and China visit the Sanctuary.
- Designations:
- It was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.
- It was declared a bird sanctuary on March 13, 1956.
- It was designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1981.
- It was declared a national park on March 10, 1982.
- Habitats:
- Sarus cranes, cormorants, peacocks, darters, owls, waterhens, the common coot, and the purple sunbird can be seen in the national park.
- Other threatened avifauna species include Baer’s pochard, Dalmatian pelican, lesser and greater adjutants, cinereous vulture, spot–billed pelican etc.
- Animals like the Jackal, Bengal Fox, blackbuck, Chital, common palm civet, hog deer, and sambar can be found here.
- Threats:
- Shortage of water in the park (source of water, its quantity and quality also affects the park).
- Invasive vegetation (Prosopis, Paspalum, Eichhornia)
Pic Courtesy: Freepik
Content source: The Indian Express