Bhitarkanika National Park (BNP) in Odisha: Migratory Birds Depart Due to Rising Temperatures

Bhitarkanika National Park (BNP) in Odisha: Migratory Birds Depart Due to Rising Temperatures

About BNP:

• Ecosystem: BNP is India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem, after the Sunderbans.
• It is formed by creeks and canals fed by the Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Patasala rivers.
• Fauna: The park is home to the largest population of endangered Saltwater Crocodiles in India.
• Olive Ridley turtles nest on Gahirmatha and other nearby beaches.
• Other notable species include migratory birds, 8 varieties of kingfishers, deer, hyenas, wild boars, and more.
• Unique Phenomenon: Bagagahana, or the heronry near Surajpore creek, is a remarkable sight where thousands of birds congregate for nesting, performing aerial acrobatics before mating.

Caspian Sea: Environmental Concerns Over Declining Water Levels

Environmental activists have raised alarms over the rapid decline in water levels of the Caspian Sea, which has already lost nearly 31,000 square kilometers of its surface area since 2005.

About the Caspian Sea:

• The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest enclosed body of water.
• It is bordered by five countries: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Iran, with Kazakhstan holding the longest coastline along the sea.
• The sea is rich in oil reserves, with an estimated 48 billion barrels of oil.

Reasons for Declining Water Levels:

• The climate crisis, excessive water use for agriculture, and pollution from nuclear waste, industrial activities, and poor urban planning have all contributed to the shrinking of the Caspian Sea.

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