Lonar Lake
- Country:India
- Site number:2441
- Area:427 ha
- Designation date:22-07-2020
- Coordinates:19°58'N 76°30'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
This wetland on the Deccan Plateau is an endorheic or closed basin, almost circular in shape, formed by a meteorite impact onto the basalt bedrock. The Site includes the lake as well as escarpments, which form the crater walls, and forested zones. The lake is high in salinity and alkalinity, as the lack of an outflow leads to a concentration of minerals as the lake water evaporates. Specialized micro-organisms such as anaerobes, cyanobacteria and phytoplankton survive in this harsh chemical environment. Outside the lake, there is considerable diversity of plant and animal life, as springs which help feed the lake provide a source of fresh water. Inhabiting the Site are 160 species of birds including the vulnerable Asian woollyneck (Ciconia episcopus) and common pochard (Aythya ferina), 46 species of reptiles, and 12 species of mammals including the iconic grey wolf (Canis lupus). Factors which threaten the site include household sewage and urban wastewater, and unsustainable tourism.
Administrative region:
Site lies in Buldhana district in the state of Maharashtra
- National legal designation:
- National Geo-heritage site - Lonar lake
- Wildlife Sanctuary - Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Last publication date:11-11-2020
Downloads
Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)
Site map
Additional reports and documents
- Site management plan