The flowers of the Sausage tree, Flame of the forest and Arjun attract bettles, dragonflies and other insects. The butterfly larvae feed on flowers and the Birds forage on the fruits of the trees
Black headed Gulls
The bhringraj is used as a hair tonic and to treat liver disorders Kakajanghais is used to treat Rickets
The Kanghi is used as a bronchodilators, to ease respiration.
Cattail is an important site for nesting for birds and spawnning of fish. It also protects the shoreline from erosion
Utricularia are carnivorous plants which captures small insects and tadpoles.
The Lotus purifies water and is an important food for wildfowl and birds.
Duckweed
Checkered Keelback
Giant reed checks soil erosion and helps in removing pollutants from water.
Some wetlands which have international importance are named RAMSAR SITES. These are classified so according to some criteria such as if they are unique ecosystems, support endangered species, are important congregation site for birds or have a large influence on the ecology of the region. There are three Ramsar sites in Punjab
HARIKE With more than 400 species of birds, Harike is the ideal place for bird watches and nature lovers. The waters are inhabited by 7 different species of turtles and 26 species of fish. Harike has a total bird count is 1.5 lacks. This manmade wetland at the confluence of the Beas and Satluj rivers was formed in 1953 and became a Ramsar site in 1990. It is also a wildlife sanctuary.
ROPAR The Ropar wetland was formed in 1952 with the construction of the barrage on the Satluj. Located next to the Shiwaliks it forms an important ecological zone and has a large influence on the microclimate. This is one of the reasons why it was chosen to be a Ramsar site in 2002.
KANJLI
Many rare and threatened species are found here, like the Jerdon’s Babbler, the Rufus Vented Prinia, Black headed Ibis and the Black tailed Godwit. Recently Greater Flamingoes have been recently spotted. In Harike and upstream of the Beas the Indus Dolphin can be found, which were previously thought to be extinct in India. Though an initiative of the WWF Indian and the Dept. of Forests and wildlife preservation, women from the nearby villages of Churian and Sudian village have formed a self help group to create handicrafts from water hyacinth.
Green bee eater
It forms an important resting place for migratory birds in winter and an important breeding ground for the Hog deer, Sambhar deer and python. The endangered Indian Pangolin ant eater is found in the nearby regions of the Shiwaliks and the wetland ecology has a significant influence on its habitat. There are 150 species of resident and migratory birds found in Ropar including 3 globally threatened species and 8 nearly threatened species. The black necked stork can be spotted during winters. 35 species of fish are found in the waters which form a vital link in the food chain and help maintain the ecological balance.
Hoopoe
The Kanjli wetland is a reservoir on a permanent freshwater rivulet, the Kali Bein. It was formed in 1870 with the construction of the head regulator and was notified as a Ramsar site in 2002. The Rivulet and the wetland together are vital for maintaining the hydrological balance of the region. The soil soaks up the excess water from the rainfall, recharging the ground water and also discharges the excess water into the Kali Bein, helping in flood control. It also becomes an important staging ground for migratory birds. The Indian tailor bird can be commonly seen here. The carnivorous plant Utricularia is found in the waters. The rivulet Kali Bein, has a very important religious significance. At the first Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Nanak went into the river at Sultanpur Lodhi and came out near Kanjli, whereupon he received enlightenment. This laid the foundations of the Sikh religion.
Himalayan Bulbul Sambar deer
Indian Roller
Shikra
Golden Flameback
RANJIT SAGAR
Spoonbill
Leopard
KESHOPUR
Indian Pitta
White backed Vulture
The Asian paradise flycatcher build their nests out of twigs and spiderwebs, sometimes near the vicinity of a breeding pair of Drongos to keep preditors away.
The hog deer gets its name from the hog like manner in which it runs through the forest.
NANGAL
Short eared owl
The Ranjit Sagar wetland forms an important ecological zone falling in the Shiwaliks. It is one of the largest wetlands in North India covering an area of 87 sq km. It falls in the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. This lake supports a large fish population, with over 22 different species. It gives refuge to a large number of birds, both migratory and resident, consisting of 150 different species. Three different species of the endangered vulture are found here, the red headed vulture, the white Rumped Indian vulture and the long billed vulture. Conservation efforts for them have been taken up by the forest department. The ecosystem supports many terrestrial animals as well, like the Neelgai, Leopard and Barking deer.
Red Adavat
The Nangal wetland came into being with the completion of the Bhakra and Nangal Dam in 1963 and is a wetland of national importance. Its Marshy habitat merges with the hilly Shiwaliks harboring many migratory birds in winter. Around 9000 migratory birds are found here of 30 different species. The beautiful Asian paradise flycatcher can be seen here. Being upstream of Harike and Ropar on the Satluj, it determines the ecology of these wetlands. Apart from this, it helps clean the water of pollutants, stabilizes the micro climate and regulates the water cycle. People come here to take a holy bath during Amavasya, that is, during a new moon and during Baisakhi, to celebrate the forming of the Khalsa, or collective body of all Sikhs.
Keshopur is India’s first community reserve, which means that the people of the 5 villages, namely Miani, Keshopur, Matwa, Dalla and Magarmudian, jointly decided that the gram panchayat would take care of the wetland. They remain owners of the land and are consulted by the government whenever any action is to be taken regarding their conservation and development of the surrounding area.
Small blue Kingfisher
Here is an example of codependence of the wetlands and the people. The wetlands sustain the villages by providing livelihood and food. In turn the choice of growing lotus and having fish farms instead of drying the land for cultivation helps maintain the water level. This natural wetland occurring in between the Ravi and the Beas River also protects the villages from flooding. Over 40,000 birds are found here in winter and the wetland supports 15 fish species which are threatened or endangered. The breeding grounds of the Sarus Crane are near and about these wetland and it is the only place in India to find the common crane.
Wooly necked stork
The smooth coated otter communicate which each other as well as with other animals through smell. The Indian Pangolin, Scaly anteater is nocturnal in nature. It can curl into a ball in self- defence.
The Bar Headed Goose is a migratory bird from Central Asia, These are one of the higest flying birds in the world,
The Red Crested Pocahard are migratory birds from southern Europe and Central Asia.
Previously thought to be extinct in India, a dozen Indus dolphins in three groups were found in the Beas river, near Harike. Also known as the blind dolphin
The Sindh Babbler found in dense grasses and reeds, have been rediscovered in Harike.
The Sarus Cranes form long-lasting pair-bonds and are considered symbols of marital fidelity.