The Rajasthan Government recently announced plans to construct a zoo inside the renowned Keoladeo National Park, a World Heritage Site popularly referred to as Bharatpur bird sanctuary. The designated name for this future establishment is Wetland ex-situ Conservation Establishment (WESCE), which aims to showcase an array of species native to wetland environments, including rhinos, water buffaloes, crocodiles, dolphins, and other exotic animals.
Inception and Purpose of WESCE
The proposed WESCE is part of a larger, high-reaching initiative called the Rajasthan Forestry and Biodiversity Development Project (RFBDP). The Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the overseas development arm of the French government, has pledged to fund up to Rs 12 crore over eight years for this project.
The central aim of WESCE is to rejuvenate the biodiversity of Keoladeo National Park, thereby enhancing its outstanding universal values. In order to achieve this, numerous facilities are planned inside the park. These include a breeding and reintroduction center for locally extinct species such as otters, fishing cats, blackbucks, and hog deer, among others. There will also be an aquarium housing indigenous species like the Gangetic Dolphin and crocodiles, as well as enclosures for displaying large wetland species like the Indian Rhino, Water Buffalo, and Barasingha (swamp deer).
Key Details about Keoladeo National Park
Keoladeo National Park is a globally recognized bird-watching spot situated in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Apart from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was also distinguished as one of India’s first Ramsar Sites in 1981 alongside Chilika Lake in Orissa. Currently, the park and Loktak Lake in Manipur are listed in the Montreux record.
The park is celebrated for its diverse bird species and an abundance of waterbirds, housing over 365 species, including several rare and endangered ones like the Siberian crane. These birds travel from various areas of the northern hemisphere to breed in the sanctuary.
In addition to its avian population, the park is also home to a range of other fauna such as Jackals, Sambars, Nilgais, wild cats, hyenas, wild boars, porcupines, and mongooses. Its dominant vegetation consists of a tropical dry deciduous forest led by Acacia nilotica, mixed with dry grassland. Gambhir and Banganga are the two rivers that flow through this National Park.
Other Protected Areas in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is home to several other protected wildlife areas. These include Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) in Alwar, and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) in Kota. Desert National Park in Jaisalmer and the Sajjangarh wildlife sanctuary in Udaipur are among the notable conservation areas. Additionally, the National Chambal Sanctuary is situated on the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Past UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
In the 2014 UPSC Civil Services Examination, a question was posed regarding the correlation between wetlands and the confluence of rivers. The question asked, “Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?” with options such as would help the students gauge their understanding of these wetlands and their locations.
Through initiatives like WESCE, the government aims to create a balance between wildlife conservation and tourism development. The proposed plans not only intend to protect and showcase the rich biodiversity of Keoladeo National Park, but they also aim to educate and inspire the public about the importance of preserving such vital habitats.