World Wetlands Day: Why Are Wetlands Important & Where In India Can You Find Them?

Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

World Wetlands Day

[{"selector":"#anim-b7eaa6aa-bfd8-4b1f-9dcd-bf0870fb9e32 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Feb 2 is widely celebrated as World Wetlands Day as a reminder of their importance. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

What Are Wetlands?

[{"selector":"#anim-6083d51b-a7b7-400b-b87a-70e84a2a0337 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, -0.00009296116679635702%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Wetlands are land covered with water, either salty or fresh. They are an ecosystem unto themselves and support 1000s of species. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

What Are Ramsar Sites?

[{"selector":"#anim-4123eda6-a058-43ab-a4a8-1aa84006f3e2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] A Ramsar Site is a wetland of international importance and there are 80 Ramsar sites in India. 5 of the following sites were only recently added. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

1. Aghanashini Estuary, Karnataka

[{"selector":"#anim-ff9d4848-286e-4526-b4a8-f00eb607801a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] One of the virgin rivers of the world, it is a beautiful place with lots of greenery. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

2. Ankasamudra Bird Conservation, Karnataka

[{"selector":"#anim-ba4373bc-ee96-4e6e-9dd1-2a0fc36acaf9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] A haven for bird watchers, it houses some of the most distinctive bird species ever. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

3. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

[{"selector":"#anim-a4ed8b8a-0792-4e65-ae35-837cbc123c51 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Recently added to the Ramsar sites, it is a breathtaking landscape. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

4. Longwood Shola Reserve, Tamil Nadu

[{"selector":"#anim-2240d0f4-a896-4459-beea-95d3a1483b2c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-5.122950857892461%, -0.000007436229361255577%) scale(1.4901960784313726)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Another breathtakingly green region, it is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

5. Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Karnataka

[{"selector":"#anim-c7b353b6-99be-4a09-8edd-8d7bbd8f6066 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] This reserve is sure to blow your mind with its diverse flora and fauna. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

[{"selector":"#anim-51fd9d6f-2e7c-4c87-a129-1028a717ee0e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Have you been to any of these wetlands? Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)