Sheikha Jheel (18436)
India, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Sheikha Jheel
Central coordinates: Latitude: 27.8167, Longitude: 78.1667
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 2.23573
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: In Aligarh district, there are a number of wetlands such as Sheikha jheel, Rati-ka-Nagla, Ash Dump Yard and Aama Khera which are good for waterfowl. However, Sheikha jheel has the greatest potential to be developed as a bird sanctuary. This jheel is located 17 km from Aligarh on the Aligarh-Jalali road near Sheikha and Bhawan-Khera. Jalali village is about 3 km away, while Sheikha village is less than 1 km. The jheel was divided into three parts, when the Lower Ganga Canal was constructed. Sheikha jheel is a typical monsoonal wetland of the Gangetic plains. It gets most of its water from rainfall, but seepage of water from the adjoining canal has made it perennial. Before the canal was constructed, this jheel probably dried up during summer like other similar wetlands. Sheikha jheel is surrounded on three sides by natural vegetation. The submerged vegetation consists of Hydrilla verticillata, Ceratophyllum demersum, Vallisneria spiralis, Potamogeton crispus and Najas. Free-floating vegetation consists of Salvinia and Azolla, and in some places, Eichhornia crassipes. Rootedfloating vegetation includes Nymphoides cristata and Nymphoides indica.
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: About 166 species of birds are reported from Sheikha and its environs (Rahmani and Sharma, 1997). This wetland harbours more than 10,000 birds during the winter months. While = 20,000 waterbirds may not be found in Sheikha jheel at a time, more than 20,000 water birds use this wetland throughout the year, because large migratory flocks of waders are seen in March-April. Thus, the site would qualify for A4ii criteria. Many waders and ducks are also present in thousands, easily exceeding 1% biogeographic population threshold, recently updated by Wetlands International (2002). About 100-200 Sarus Cranes Grus antigone congregate in this small wetland, mostly in the dry months. According to Wetlands International (2002), 1% threshold of Sarus is 90. Choudhury et al. (1999) have also found Sheikha jheel and the surrounding areas extremely important for the conservation of Sarus crane. During their surveys, they found 30 adults and 10 juveniles. Sighting of Near Threatened Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, sometimes with juveniles, is not uncommon in Sheikha jheel. Nests of Grey Heron Ardea purpurea, Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and other species are found on the large Ficus and Dalbergia trees. A pilot bird ringing project was initiated in 1988 and several birds with Russian rings were recaptured (S.H.A. Yahya pers. comm. 2001). OTHER KEY FAUNA: As Sheikha jheel is surrounded by agricultural fields and villages, no large wild mammal of conservation concern is found in the area. Only Bluebull or Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus, which is considered sacred by many people, is found. Occasionally, Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra is seen in the drier area on the other side of Aligarh-Jalali road.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: MAIN THREATS: Groundwater abstraction; Siltation; Eutrophication. Till the mid 1970s, Sheikha jheel was the main shooting ground of local hunters, but due to an intensive campaign by the Nature Conservation Society of Aligarh, hunting was controlled. The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department placed a guard for some years, which greatly helped in preventing poaching. At the same time, villagers were also convinced of the importance of this jheel and now they help to prevent poaching. Being so close to a large university and town, Sheikha jheel could easily become a good place for bird watching and environmental education. A proper management plan needs to be developed and implemented, so that the jheel can attract more visitors and more birds. During the last 30 years of monitoring, there has been no major change in the waterspread, but there is some cultivation around the jheel. Constant vigil is necessary to see that it does not spread closer to the jheel.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Only in the future |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of ground water (agricultural use) | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Only in the past and unlikely to return |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Soil erosion, sedimentation | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Nutrient loads | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Choudhury, B. C., Kaur, J. and Gopi Sundar, K. S. (1999) Sarus Crane Count-1999. Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. Pp 23. Rahmani, A. R. and Sharma, S. N. (1997) Management Plan for Sheekha jheel: Aligarh District. Centre of Wildlife and Ornithology, and Hareetima Environmental Action Group, Aligarh. Pp. 11. Wetlands International (2002) Waterbird Population Estimates – Third Edition. Wetlands International Global Series No. 12. Wageningen, The Netherlands.