It is a freshwater marsh and partly saline wetland, which is flanked b...
Despite threats of new infrastructure and encroachments, winged visitors continue to arrive at the Pallikaranai marshland.
- It is a freshwater marsh and partly saline wetland situated about 20 kilometres south of the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- On its eastern periphery, the Marsh is flanked by the Buckingham Canal.
- The diverse ecosystem of the marshland supports some 115 bird species, ten mammals, 21 reptiles, ten amphibians, 46 fish, nine molluscs, five crustaceans, and seven butterfly species.
- These include notable species such as Russell’s viper (Daboia siamensis) and birds such as the glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), grey-headed lapwings (Vanellus cinereus) and Pheasant-tailed jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus).
- Apart from its biodiversity value, the wetland also plays a vital role in the prevention of flooding for the city of Chennai, soaking up water during wet periods and releasing it during dry spells.
- The site is threatened by invasive and non-native species, household sewage, urban wastewater and droughts.
- It is one of the Ramsar sites from India.
Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
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It is a freshwater marsh and partly saline wetland, which is flanked b...
Explanation:
The most likely description of the given scenario is the Pallikaranai marshland.
Pallikaranai marshland:
- The description mentions that it is a freshwater marsh and partly saline wetland. Pallikaranai marshland fits this description as it is a large marshland located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
- It is flanked by the Buckingham Canal on its eastern periphery. This canal runs alongside the marshland, providing a boundary to the east.
- The Pallikaranai marshland is known for its diverse ecosystem, including bird species and mammals. It is a haven for birdwatchers and home to numerous migratory and resident bird species. The marshland also supports a range of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Other options:
- Renuka Wetland: Renuka Wetland is a lake located in Himachal Pradesh, India. It does not match the given description.
- Karikili Bird Sanctuary: Karikili Bird Sanctuary is located in Tamil Nadu, India, but it does not have a freshwater marsh and partly saline wetland.
- Asthamudi Wetland: Asthamudi Wetland is a large estuarine system in Kerala, India, but it is not known for being flanked by the Buckingham Canal or having a freshwater marsh and partly saline wetland.
Conclusion:
Based on the given description, the most likely option is the Pallikaranai marshland, which is a freshwater marsh and partly saline wetland flanked by the Buckingham Canal on its eastern periphery and is home to a diverse ecosystem including bird species and mammals.