Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.13, No. 1, Feb-March 2023 birds, 11 amphibians and 21 reptiles, and contamination, as indicated by the along with many herbivores such as Wetlands International South Asia sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), wild pig (WISE). The rate of loss has been (Sus scrofa) and Barking deer increasing, with the rate in the past (Muntiacus muntjak), since it provide century estimated to be 3.7 times excellent habitat for low-lying marshy greater than in previous centuries inhabitants. Primate species such as (Davidson, 2014). Impacts on the endangered Hoolock gibbon (Hoolock ecosystem services include decreased Hoolock), and Phayre’s leaf monkey rates of carbon sequestration, reduced (Trachypithecus phayrei) are found in protection of coastal zones, increasing this wetland forest. Pala wetland is flood flows, more variable water paramount source of water utility such supplies and loss of the habitat for as fishing, irrigation and horticulture fisheries (Fennessy and Lei, 2018). for the local villages especially Mara people, who has integrate connection Unfortunately, wetlands are with this wetland (rsis.ramsar.org). disappearing three times faster than The catchment area covering 24 sq. Km forests due to our destructive is a reserve forest with locus at 274 mtrs anthropogenic activities and global above mean sea level, comprises warming, which made wetlands one of unique feature of freshwater lake, the most threatened habitats of the probably formed by tectonic activity . world. The failure to understand the consequences of exploitation of In India, from the last four wetlands have further lead to its decades, 33% of the absolute natural deterioration. wetlands have been lost due to over urbanization, farming development References:- Alfred J.R.B., Das, A.K and Sanyal, Barman, D., S. C. Mandal, P. Bhattacharjee, A.K.(2001) Ecosystems of India, ENVIS- and S.P. Datta (2013). Status of Rudrasagar Zool.Surv. India, Kolkata: 1-410. Lake (Ramsar Site) in Tripura, India. ISSN 0970- 0420. 51
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.13, No. 1, Feb-March 2023 Bassi, N., M Dinesh Kumar, Anuradha Wetland for Biodiversity and Human Sharma, and P Partha-Saradhi (2014). “Status Welfare. Proceedings of the National of Wetlands in India: A review of extent, Conference on Hydrology and Water quality ecosystem benefits, threats and management Management (Arunima Sarma, Editor). strategies.” Journal of Hydrology: Regional Morigaon College, Morigaon, pp. 86-92. Studies 2, no.- 1-19. Saikia, P.K (2005). Qualitative and Das, J., and P.K Saikia (2011). Species Quantitative Study of Lower and Higher diversity of water birds in Deepor Beel, Organisms and their functional role in the Assam. Journal of Research in Biology 5: 363- Deepor Beel Ecosystem. 369. Trisal C.L. and T, H. Manihar (2002). Deka, S. (2010) Conservation, restoration and Management of Phumdis in the Loktak Lake. management of Rudrasagar Lake (Tripura), Newsletter- Loktak (Vol-2). Loktak Seminar Proc, North Easthern Symposium Development Authority and International- on Science and Technology, ICFAI Publ, pp. South Asia (January,2002). No.- 1-4. 59-66. Wetland Authority of Tripura. Integrated Desk, Sentinel (2019) . Decreasing water level of Management Plan Rudrasagar Wetland Rudra Sagar Causes Concern. The Sentinel. Melaghar Tripura. Fennessy, S.M, and G Lei (2018). Wetland Web-links referred to: restoration for the climate change resilience. Ramsar Briefing Note No.10,. https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/2484 Kumar, A. and A. Kanaujia (2014). Wetland: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india- Significant, threats and their conservation. ISSN news/indias-ramsar-sites-rise-to-54-as-5- 0975-3117 Green. wetlands-get-international-importance-tag- 101658833212925.html Mandal, J., and P.K Saikia (2012). Conservation Perspectives of the Deepor Beel About the Author Swarnali Das is currently studying in Wildlife science from Gauhati University, Assam. She has innate passion for wild animals and their conservation. She is also the core volunteer of WWF India ECHO- Project and has actively participating in many awareness programmes. 52
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.13, No. 1, Feb-March 2023 Waterbird Picture Gallery Pictures: Jay Pandya* Email*: [email protected] Bar-headed Goose Greylag Goose Cotton Pygmy Goose Eurasian Wigeon Ruddy Shelduck Common Pochard Northern Shoveler Indian Spot-billed Duck Northern Pintail Spotted Crake Eurasian Moorhen Dalmatian Pelican 53
BBaacckkCCoovveerr UN Secretary-General's message for 2023 on World Wildlife Day-2023 On World Wildlife Day, we reflect on our responsibility to protect the magnificent diversity of life on our planet. And we recognize our abject failure. Human activities are laying waste to once-thriving forests, jungles, farmland, oceans, rivers, seas, and lakes. One million species teeter on the brink of extinction, due to habitat destruction, fossil fuel pollution and the worsening climate crisis. We must end this war on nature.The good news is that we have the tools, the knowledge, and the solutions. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which has helped protect thousands of plants and animals. And last year’s agreement on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework marked an important step towards putting our planet on a path to healing. As this year’s theme – ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’ – highlights, we need to work across governments, civil society, and the private sector to turn commitment into action. And we need much bolder actions now to cut emissions, accelerate renewables, and build climate resilience. Throughout, we need to place the voices of local communities and indigenous people – our world’s most effective guardians of biodiversity – front and centre. Today and every day, let us all do our part to preserve natural habitats and build a thriving future for all living beings. -António Guterres Wetlands are the arteries and veins of the landscape. Majestic and mighty, wetlands are a sight to behold. Wetlands support critical ecosystems and biodiversity. 40 percent of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands. Wetlands are rich in nature and vital to human life. They are crucial to agriculture and fisheries. They act as water sources, purifiers and protect our shores. Wetlands are the planet’s greatest natural carbon stores. To date, nearly 90 percent of the world’s wetlands have been degraded or lost. We are losing wetlands three times faster than forests. For World Wetlands Day 2023, we’re calling on you to take action in three specific ways: • Conscious choices to minimize our own impact on wetlands • Persuasive voices to educate and activate others to get involved in wetland restoration • Bold actions and taking part in wetland restoration efforts locally Governments and other stakeholders are critical actors towards ensuring wetland restoration actions are being implemented on the ground. Three actions that can spearhead these restoration efforts include: • Creating a national inventory of wetlands • Setting specific targets for wetland restoration • Promoting wise use and good management practices Be a part of the solution by influencing change and sharing your stories of conservation and restoration efforts with us from your countries and communities. -Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General, Convention on Wetlands The next issue of Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) will be launched in June 2023. Researchers, scientists, college/university students and faculty, wetland enthusiasts, wetland photographers and anyone who loves and wants to conserve wetlands are invited to submit their research/popular articles, notes, photo-essays and photographs for publication in this wetland ePeriodical. Submissions should be made latest by mid-May 2022. Delay In publication cannot be ignored as this voluntary activity is done in spare time. But efforts will be made to avoid delay.,
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