Surha Tal Bird Sanctuary

Surha Tal Bird Sanctuary
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Interactive map of Surha Tal Bird Sanctuary
LocationBallia district, Uttar Pradesh, India
Nearest cityBallia
Coordinates25°51′N 84°11′E / 25.85°N 84.18°E / 25.85; 84.18
Area34.32 km²
Established1991
Governing bodyUttar Pradesh Forest Department

Surha Tal Bird Sanctuary, officially known as the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, is a protected area situated in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Established in 1991, the sanctuary is centered around Surha Tal, a large natural perennial lake, and is 34.32 km2 (13.25 sq mi) in area.[1][2]

Geography

The sanctuary is located in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, near the confluence of the Ganges and Ghaghara rivers. The lake is an oxbow lake formed by the shifting course of the Ganges.[3][4]

Fauna

The sanctuary is a critical habitat for both resident and migratory birds. During winters, it hosts species from Siberia and Central Asia, including the Greylag goose, Pintail, Common teal, and Bar-headed goose.[5] Local species include Sarus crane, Heron, and Cormorant. The lake is also rich in various indigenous fish species.[6]

References

  1. ^ "Bird Sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh". Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
  2. ^ Aggarwal, Mayank (2022-05-20). "A bird sanctuary's survival is being threatened in Uttar Pradesh". Mongabay-India. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
  3. ^ LokMarg (2023-03-04). "NGT Stays Construction In UP's Surha Tal Bird Sanctuary | Lokmarg". Lokmarg - News Views Blogs. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
  4. ^ Ynorme (2021-11-19). "Surha Taal". Ynorme. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
  5. ^ "Surha Tal Bird Sanctuary". BirdLife International. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
  6. ^ "Jai Prakash Narayan (Surha taal) Bird Wildlife Sanctuary - WildTrails | The One-Stop Destination for all your Wildlife Holidays". wildtrails.in. 2017-09-23. Retrieved 2026-01-04.

See also