Yeshwantsagar Reservoir (18317)
India, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Yeshwantsagar Reservoir
Central coordinates: Latitude: 22.8167, Longitude: 75.6833
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 535 00
Area of KBA (km2): 9.08719
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The ruler of erstwhile Indore state created Yeshwantsagar reservoir in 1939 to meet the growing needs of the city. Made by the construction of a dam on the Gambhir river, the reservoir is situated at a distance of c. 21 km from Indore, which is also known as the business capital of Madhya Pradesh and is well connected by both air and rail routes. Water from the reservoir is mainly used for irrigation and drinking purposes and supports the requirement of Indore, which is shared by the Narmada river as well. Open fields on almost all sides surround Yeshwantsagar reservoir. The main cultivation is wheat, corn, pulses and cash crops. The terrain is mostly flat and devoid of undulating areas. The aquatic vegetation comprises mostly of Ipomoea, water lily, lotus and reeds. The reservoir is mostly shallow, good for waders and other waterfowl. As the water level recedes, many islands serve as roosting sites for waterfowl.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: AVIFAUNA: Due to its vast shallow reedbeds, the wetland is a haven to a large number of birds in winter and in summer. Large congregations of Sarus Crane Grus antigone, with numbers exceeding 170, are reported from the site, apart from several nesting pairs (Gopi Sundar et. al. 1999). This number, being more than 1% of the biogeographical population of the species, qualifies the site as an IBA. These Sarus Cranes formed the major population of all Sarus Cranes counted in the state of Madhya Pradesh (Gopi Sundar et al. 2000). Later, a similar congregation was reported from the Upper Lake of Bhopal (Koustubh Sharma pers. comm. 2002). As no proper survey has been done on the avifauna of the area, not much can be said about the species and its population in this site.
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture | tourism/recreation | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 50 | |
| Artificial - Aquatic | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: MAIN THREATS: Pollution; Use of pesticides; Increasing trend to shift from traditional crops to cash crops; Tourism. The impact of changing water levels in the reservoir on Sarus populations is unknown and could form an important and interesting study (Gopi Sundar et al. 1999). The Sarus Crane enjoys protection from farmers, due to the traditional belief that it has a lifelong pair bonding habit. However, the impact of changing cultivation and agricultural techniques seems to be affecting the population. As Yeshwantsagar is a stronghold of the Sarus, it becomes extremely important for the species’ conservation.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (agricultural use) | Only in the future |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Herbicides and pesticides | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Gopi Sundar, K. S., Kaur, J. and Choudhury, B. C. (1999) Distribution, general ecology and conservation status of the Indian Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) in India. Results of an all-India survey 1998-99. Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun, Pp. 122. Gopi Sundar, K. S., Kaur, J. and Choudhury B. C. (2000) Distribution, demography and conservation status of the Indian Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) in India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 97:319-339.