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Kabartal in Bihar’s Begusarai district has been recognised as a wetland of international importance – the first such wetland in the state – under the Ramsar Convention.

Ramsar Site

• A Ramsar site is a wetland site that is of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. In 1971, the UNESCO established an intergovernmental environment treaty for wetlands.
• The treaty is all about the conservation of wetlands and sustainable use of their resources.

Lake in Begusarai

The lake is spreaded over an area of 2620 hectares and hosts a plethora of different species. Some species are endangered too. 

• 106 different species of resident birds
• 59 species of migratory birds
• 5 critically endangered species that includes 3 vultures and 2 water birds.
• The 3 vultures are Indian vulture (Gyps indicus), red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) and white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis).
• The 2 water birds are sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) and baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri).
• 46 different species of Fishes
• A large number of flora and fauna

Benefit of Becoming a Ramsar Site

Since, the lake has now been declared a Ramsar Site, in addition to the local and national government, it will now be taken care by the International bodies like UNESCO too. Now, more funds will be alloted to maintain and protect the lake.