Lakhbahosi Bird Sanctuary
Wetlands are one of the most important ecosystems on the earth. Broadly speaking,
wetlands are shallow water bodies in which water keeps up for most part of the year
and recedes below the surface level during the dry season. So far 94 wetlands have
been identified under National Wetland Conservation Programme in India (MoEF, 2007),
of which Lakhbahosi Bird Sanctuary, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh is one of them.
The abundant and diverse wildlife of the state is our invaluable natural and national
heritage. Fascinating birds, both resident and migratory are the special attraction
of our lakes and wetlands in winter. These birds play an important role in maintaining
the ecological balance of the eco-system. Of the 1300 species of birds that occur
in our country, more than 200 species are migratory which come from Tibet, Central
Asia, Europe, Siberia and China. Most of the birds fly over the Himalayas at the
height of 8500 meters and from a distance of about 8000 km or more to reach India
for spending winter.
Lakhbahosi Bird Sanctuary was created in 1988 with the aim of protection and conservation
of the wetland with special emphasis to the local and migratory birds, conservation
of their natural habitat including aquatic plants and animals. The Bombay Natural
History Society, Mumbai (BNHS) has also listed this is included in the list of wetlands
identified under National Wetland Conservation Programme by The Ministry of Environment
& Forest, Govt. of India.
Approximately 50 thousand water fowls visit this Sanctuary every year between the
months of November to March. This wetland serves as their habitat for nesting as
well as breeding for some birds. Thus, this sanctuary has become an attractive destination
for the bird lovers as well as tourist since several years.