Ramsar Wetland Sites — Set 1
Forest & Wildlife · रामसर आर्द्रभूमि स्थल · Questions 1–10 of 160
In which country and year was the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands signed?
Correct Answer: A. Iran, 1971
The Ramsar Convention was signed on February 2, 1971 in Ramsar, a city in Iran on the shores of the Caspian Sea. It is named after this Iranian city where the treaty was adopted. The convention entered into force on December 21, 1975. It is the only global treaty focusing specifically on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
Which was the first Indian site to be designated as a Ramsar Wetland?
Correct Answer: B. Chilika Lake, Odisha
Chilika Lake in Odisha was the first Indian site to be designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 1981. It is also Asia's largest brackish water lagoon covering approximately 1,100 sq km. Chilika is famous for migratory birds and the Irrawaddy dolphins. Keoladeo Ghana was designated along with Chilika in the same year 1981.
How many Ramsar Wetland Sites does India have as of 2023?
Correct Answer: C. 75
India has 75 Ramsar Wetland Sites as of 2023, making it one of the countries with the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia. The number increased significantly from 42 in 2020 to 75 by 2023. These sites cover a total area of over 13 lakh hectares. India added 19 new sites in a single announcement in 2022 to commemorate 75 years of independence.
What is the full form of the Ramsar Convention's official name?
Correct Answer: A. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat
The full official name of the Ramsar Convention is the 'Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat.' It was originally focused on waterfowl habitat but has since expanded to cover all aspects of wetland conservation. The convention is commonly known simply as the Ramsar Convention after its city of adoption. It is one of the oldest inter-governmental environmental agreements in the world.
Which lake in Manipur is a Ramsar Wetland famous for floating islands called 'phumdis'?
Correct Answer: B. Loktak Lake
Loktak Lake in Manipur is famous for its floating islands called 'phumdis,' which are heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland in 1990. Loktak is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. It is home to the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park, which protects the endangered Sangai deer.
On which date is World Wetlands Day celebrated every year?
Correct Answer: B. February 2
World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on February 2, 1971. This day highlights the importance of wetlands for human wellbeing and biodiversity. It has been observed globally since 1997. In 2021, the United Nations officially recognized February 2 as World Wetlands Day through a UN resolution.
Which of the following Ramsar sites is located in Ladakh?
Correct Answer: B. Tsomoriri Wetland
Tsomoriri (also spelled Tso Moriri) Wetland in Ladakh is a Ramsar Wetland Site, designated in 2002. It is a high-altitude lake located at an elevation of about 4,522 meters above sea level. Tsomoriri is a breeding ground for the bar-headed goose and black-necked crane. The lake is part of the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve in the Changthang region of Ladakh.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a Ramsar Wetland Site, is located in which state?
Correct Answer: C. Rajasthan
Keoladeo Ghana National Park is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 1981, the same year as Chilika Lake. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site declared in 1985. The park is famous as a wintering ground for numerous migratory birds from Central Asia and Siberia, including the rare Siberian Crane.
What is the Montreux Record in context of Ramsar Convention?
Correct Answer: B. Register of wetlands with adverse ecological changes
The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the Ramsar List where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution, or other human interference. It was established in 1990 at a Ramsar Conference held in Montreux, Switzerland. It serves as a tool for prioritizing conservation action. Chilika Lake was once on the Montreux Record but was removed after successful restoration.
Which wetland was India's first site to be removed from the Montreux Record after ecological restoration?
Correct Answer: B. Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake in Odisha was the first Ramsar site in the world to be removed from the Montreux Record after successful ecological restoration. It was placed on the Montreux Record in 1993 due to ecological degradation. After the Chilika Development Authority implemented restoration measures, the lake was removed from the record in 2002. The restoration included opening a new mouth of the lake to improve water circulation.