Faunal Diversity in Ramsar Wetlands of India

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Wetlands are ecologically as well as economically important systems which harbour rich natural resources and play a crucial role in various hydrological cycle. carbon sequestration, and global greenhouse gas emission. As defined by Ramsar convention 1971, Wetlands are area of marsh, fen, peat-land or water. whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meter The wetlands act as buffers for terrestrial run-off and thus prevent eutrophication of inlands and coastal waters. Further, it not only acts as a reservoir of biodiversity but also triggers the mass movement of living creature, e., refuge for migratory birds. The system often creates an oxic- anoxic condition which facilitates simultaneous activity of both aerobic and anaerobic life forms, e.g., microbes, larvae of insects, and fishes. However, due to anthropogenic activity and climate change the wetlands are under high pressure not only in India but globally and our understanding of the various life forms it harbours, remains far from complete. Even the wetlands in biodiversity hotspots of India are under stress and thus strive to conserve itself and the associated diversity.

The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. As of now there are 171 Contracting Parties on the convention on wetlands. The total number of wetlands of international importance around the world is 2,414 covering and area of 254,543,972 ha. Since India became a contracting party to the Ramsar convention in 1981 a total of 42 Ramsar sites spread over an area of 11,528.574 sq. km ha have been identified thus far.

The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India is the nodal agency for implementing the conservation programme on wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs.