Kabartal Wetland

A fisher within Nelumbo beds in Kabartal
A lesser adjutant in Kabartal
Fishers at Kabartal

Kabartal Wetland

  • Country: 
    India
  • Site number: 
    2436
  • Area: 
    2,620 ha
  • Designation date: 
    21-07-2020
  • Coordinates: 
    25°37'N 86°08'E
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

Kabartal Wetland, also known as Kanwar Jheel, covers 2,620 hectares of the Indo-Gangetic plains in the northern Bihar State. The Site is one of 18 wetlands within an extensive floodplain complex; it floods during the monsoon season to a depth of 1.5 metres. This absorption of floodwaters is a vital service in Bihar State where 70% of the land is vulnerable to inundation. During the dry season, areas of marshland dry out and are used for agriculture. Significant biodiversity is present, with 165 plant species and 394 animal species recorded, including 221 bird species. The Wetland is an important stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, with 58 migratory waterbirds using it to rest and refuel. It is also a valuable site for fish biodiversity with over 50 species documented. Five critically endangered species inhabit the site, including three vultures – the red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) – and two waterbirds, the sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) and Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri). Major threats to the Site include water management activities such as drainage, water abstraction, damming and canalization.

Administrative region: 
The wetland is situated in Begusarai district in the state of Bihar

  • National legal designation: 
    • Bird Sanctuary - Kanwar Jheel Pakshi Vihar
  • Last publication date: 
    16-10-2020

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)

Additional reports and documents