*_Rajasthan's Khichan & Menar Wetlands Designated Ramsar Sites — A Boost for India’s Ecological Diplomacy_* *_👉🏼Key takeaways from the recent recognition of Khichan and Menar Wetlands as Ramsar Sites:_* 🌿 1. India’s Ramsar Count Reaches 91 With Khichan and Menar in Rajasthan added, India now has 91 Ramsar Sites, reflecting its commitment to wetland conservation. 🕊 2. Khichan Wetland: Desert Jewel of the Thar Located in Phalodi, Rajasthan, it comprises Ratri Nadi and Vijaysagar Talab, with arid scrublands supporting over 150 bird species. 🏞 3. Model of Human-Wildlife Coexistence Khichan exemplifies sustainable desert ecosystems, with locals actively involved in bird conservation. 🐦 4. Demoiselle Cranes' Winter Refuge Over 22,000 migratory demoiselle cranes (Anthropoides virgo) flock here annually, drawing birdwatchers and researchers worldwide. 🛡 5. Community-Led Conservation in Khichan Villagers mitigate threats like power-line collisions and dog attacks, setting a benchmark for grassroots conservation. 🌊 6. Menar Wetland: Monsoon Miracle Situated in Udaipur, it consists of three ponds — Braham Talab, Dhand Talab & Kheroda Talab — with adjoining seasonally flooded farmlands. 🌍 7. Rich Avian Diversity at Menar Supports 110 bird species, including 67 migratory ones. Critically endangered vultures like Gyps bengalensis & Gyps indicus are also spotted. 🌳 8. Biodiversity Hotspot with Flying Fox Colonies Over 70 plant species found; Mango trees near Braham Talab shelter Indian flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus). 👥 9. Menar: Conservation by the People Local communities prohibit poaching and fishing, making it a leading example of citizen-led wetland protection in India. 🌐 10. Ramsar Convention Overview An international treaty (1971) for wetland conservation, now signed by 172 countries. India joined on Feb 1, 1982. 🌎 11. Importance of Wetlands Wetlands offer water purification, flood control, biodiversity, food, and livelihoods for over a billion people globally. 📅 12. World Wetlands Day Celebrated every year on Feb 2, marking the Ramsar Convention’s adoption, to spread awareness of wetlands' critical role in ecosystems. *_🔍 UPSC Relevance:_* GS Paper II: Environmental Governance International Treaties (Ramsar Convention) Role of Community Participation in Conservation GS Paper III: Conservation & Environmental Pollution Biodiversity Sustainable Development Prelims: Location-based Ramsar Sites Flora & Fauna (e.g., Demoiselle Cranes, Vultures, Flying Fox) Ethics (GS IV): Community Participation, Environmental Ethics *_#examlife_*