Magadi and Shetikere Wetlands (18223)
India, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Magadi and Shetikere Wetlands
Central coordinates: Latitude: 15.2333, Longitude: 75.5167
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 600 00
Area of KBA (km2): 0.53891
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Magadi (70 ha) wetland is a tank situated on Gadag-Laxmeshwar road in Shirahatti taluk in Gadag district. The 35 ha Shetikere (120 ha) wetland is c. 12 km from the Magadi wetland. The tank can be reached from Shirahatti (4 km). The water of both the wetlands is brackish (pH c. 9.2), and unsuitable for irrigation. Therefore, these wetlands hold water even in drought years, and attract migratory waterfowl. The water level is fairly even, except for evaporation loss. Important tree and shrub species present in the environs of these wetlands are Acacia nilotica, Phoenix sylvestris, Zizyphus jujuba and Prosopis chilensis. Important aquatic vegetation of the wetlands comprises emergent plants such as Ipomoea carnea, Typha angustata, Paspalum distichum, Cyperus rotundus, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus bulbosus and others.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: AVIFAUNA: The Magadi wetland attracts a huge number of migratory waterfowl. Notable among them is the Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus. Nearly 5,000 birds visit the tank during winter, and it is one of the largest known wintering grounds in southern India for this species. According to the latest population estimates of waterbirds prepared by Wetlands International (2002), the total population of Bar-headed Goose is between 52,000 to 60,000, and 1% population threshold is 560. This site contains about 10% of the Bar-headed Goose of South Asia! This itself is a good reason to call it an IBA. Nearly 135 species of birds have been recorded near the tank. The Shettikere wetland harbours the same birds as Magadi wetland, but in addition large numbers of Demoiselle cranes Grus virgo (4,000+) visit the tank in good years like the winter of 2002-2003. This is 4% of the total wintering population of the Demoiselle Crane in South Asia, as according to Wetlands International (2002) there could be 100,000 Demoiselle Cranes wintering in the Indian subcontinent. These wetlands also have Near Threatened species. OTHER KEY FAUNA: As these wetlands are surrounded by agricultural fields and villages, no large mammal of conservation concern is found. Smaller mammals such as Indian Fox Vulpes vulpes, Golden Jackal Canis aureus, Jungle cat Felis chaus and Pangolin Manis crassicaudata could be seen, but they are present in many other areas.
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture | rangeland/pastureland
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Aquatic | 50 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: MAIN THREATS: Grazing; Encroachment; Pesticide. The threats are primarily from the village cattle, to some extent encroachment, and non-regulation of the fishing season. A long-term threat would be the use of pesticides in the catchment area. Both the wetlands are small, but attract huge numbers of migratory waterfowl. Presently, they have no official protection, but the State Forest Department monitors these wetlands during the migration season. Presently, the Karnataka Forest Department ensures that no fishing takes place when the migratory birds are around. However, in order to ensure continued protection, a formal declaration of the area as a protected area is essential. Fortunately, the villagers of Magadi village, which is adjacent to the tank, are interested in protecting the avian visitors. A Village Forest Committee for Eco-tourism is already in existence. Its activities need to be strengthened, and a similar initiative should be taken up at Shettikere wetland.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources | Unintentional effects: subsistence/small scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Herbicides and pesticides | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Wetlands International (2002) Waterbird Population Estimates: Third Edition. Wetlands International Global Series No. 12. Wageningen, The Netherlands.