India's Hidden Wetlands And The Animals That Thrive There

OT Staff

Pallikaranai Marsh, Tamil Nadu

This freshwater marsh in Chennai spans 80 sq. kms and harbours over 100 bird species, including glossy ibis and purple heron. It also supports amphibians, reptiles, and fish, playing a crucial role in urban biodiversity conservation.

Pelican at Pallikaranai Marsh, Tamil Nadu | sathish.soundhararajan/instagram

Chari-Dhand Wetland, Gujarat

Situated on the fringes of the Banni grasslands, this seasonal wetland attracts nearly 2,00,000 birds, including flamingos and common cranes. It serves as a critical avian refuge during migration, supporting several endangered species.

Flamingoes in Camargue National Park | Shutterstock

Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala

A Ramsar site, this estuarine ecosystem is home to the endangered smooth-coated otter and numerous fish species. It also supports diverse birdlife, making it an important conservation area for both resident and migratory species.

Canoeing in the Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala | Shutterstock

Chilika Lake, Odisha

Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon hosts over 160 bird species and is home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. The lake’s nutrient-rich waters sustain extensive fish populations, supporting local livelihoods and ecological stability.

Egret bird on lotus leaf in Chilika Lake | Shutterstock

Deepor Beel, Assam

A permanent freshwater lake connected to the Brahmaputra, it is a vital wetland for migratory birds such as the spot-billed pelican. It functions as a crucial ecological buffer, regulating water levels and supporting rich aquatic biodiversity.

A flock of Brahminy duck, or the Ruddy shelduck, take flight at the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary. | Credit www.shutterstock.com / Samsul Huda Patgiri

Harike Wetland, Punjab

The largest wetland in northern India, Harike is a critical wintering site for migratory birds. Not only does it sustain the Indus river dolphin, but it plays an essential role in maintaining regional hydrology and biodiversity.

Oriental darter at Harike Wetland, Punjab | raminder_pal_singh/instagram

Kolleru Lake, Andhra Pradesh

A vast freshwater lake between the Godavari and Krishna rivers, Kolleru is an important breeding ground for grey herons, painted storks, and various fish species, supporting both avian diversity and local fisheries.

Pelicans at Kolleru Lake | Shutterstock

Loktak Lake, Manipur

Famous for its floating phumdis, this lake is the only natural habitat of the endangered sangai deer. It also sustains migratory bird populations and provides essential fish resources for local communities.

A view of the Loktak Lake | Shutterstock

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat

A shallow lake with marshes, Nalsarovar supports over 200 bird species, including flamingos and pelicans. It serves as a key stopover for long-distance migratory birds, reinforcing its ecological significance.

A group of great white pelican | Shutterstock

Pong Dam Lake, Himachal Pradesh

Also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar, this reservoir is a major wintering ground for bar-headed geese, supporting nearly 45 per cent of their global population. The lake is integral to avian conservation efforts in northern India.

A couple of Bar-headed Goose | Shutterstock

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Light filtering through the trees in Dudhwa National Park | salman.dudhwa/Instagram
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