Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary - Gujarat

Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary is a one-of-its-kind wetland ecosystem situated in Jamnagar district in Gujarat. Located on the Gulf of Kutch on the southern coast, Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the significant bird habitats in Gujarat. Furthermore, it was recorded as one of the RAMSAR sites of the country on World Wetland Day on 2nd February 2022.

What Is the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary?

• Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary merges with the famous Marine National Park on one end, and the Dhunvav river drains fresh water on the other end.
• It holds a remarkable habitat with salt pans and fresh water on either side.
• Furthermore, a large creek flows on the northern end streams from the Gulf of Kutch, supporting marine diversity and mangroves.
• There are two freshwater lakes with artificial reclamation dams in the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary.
• This wildlife sanctuary is situated at the Kalindi and Ruparel river watershed in Jamnagar district's North East coastal area in the Gulf of Kutch.
• The wetland ecosystem of Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary is a wintering ground for migrating waterfowls from the Palacarcitic area.

Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary Significance of the ecosystem

• The Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary in Jamnagar District in Gujarat holds a remarkable geographical irregularity and blends a saltwater coast and a sweet water lake.
• This wildlife area is an extremely high-value biodiversity area, and approximately 300 species of birds visit this bird sanctuary every year.
• The Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary housed eight bird species under Nearly Threatened/Globally Threatened/ per the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)/ BirdLife Global criteria.

Protection of the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary

It is essential to preserve and safeguard the site, the extent and borders around the guarded area of the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary as an eco-sensitive area from an environmental and ecological point of view. The Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary conservation measures should aim at:

• Enhancing and conserving the hereditary resources of the said guarded site
• Rehabilitation and reintroduction of regional species
• Promotion of ecological research and environmental education
• To restrict industries or types of industries and their procedures and techniques in the eco-sensitive zone of the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary.

Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary - Wetlands in Gujarat

Some other well-known wetlands in Gujarat are as follows:

• Khijadiya Lake
• Wadhwana Lake
• Nal Sarovar
• Thol Lake
• Great Rann of Kachchh (GRK)
• Little Rann of Kachchh (LRK)
• Pariej Lake
• Nani Kakrad

All in all, the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary delivers a breeding and nesting ground for migrating birds and numerous migratory and seasonal birds take a halt at this wildlife sanctuary during the winter season.

FAQs on Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary

Q.1. How many freshwater lakes are there in the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary?

There are two freshwater lakes with artificial reclamation dams in the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q.2. Where is the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary situated?

Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary is a one-of-its-kind wetland ecosystem situated in Jamnagar district in Gujarat.

Q.3. How many bird species visit the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary?

Approximately 300 species of birds visit this bird sanctuary every year.

Q.4. How many wetlands are situated in Gujarat apart from the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary?

There are around 8 wetlands situated in Gujarat apart from the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q.5. When was the Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary recorded as a RAMSAR site?

The Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary was recorded as one of the RAMSAR sites of the country on World Wetland Day on 2nd February 2022.