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Site description (2004 baseline):

Sareri Dam was built by the Department of Irrigation in 1957 on Mansi River around 24 km north of Bundi. The water from the reservoir is used for supporting agriculture in the surrounding areas through canals (Kulshreshtha 2000). Eight to ten thousand waterfowl come to this wetland during winter. Many pairs of Sarus Crane Grus antigone use the habitat around the lake for breeding. In February 2002, Manoj Kulshreshtha, State Coordinator of IBCN, during Wetland Surveys of Rajasthan, found 8,000-10,000 waterfowl in the lake. Due to scanty rainfall in 2002, this lake was also reduced to one-fourth of its total capacity. During normal rains when waterspread is more, there could be more than 20,000 waterfowl (M. Kulshreshtha pers. comm. 2002). Lotus is commercially grown in the lake. The surrounding area is under agriculture and bears Acacia and some planted trees.

AVIFAUNA: Sarus Crane was among the 26 species recorded from the lake and its catchment area. The dominant birds were - Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea, Coot Fulica atra, Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus and Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus. The lake is important for its congregations of waterfowl. Since the last couple of years, the water level of the lake is reduced, so lesser number of migratory birds are visiting it. People have seen 8-10 pairs of Sarus here (M. Kulshreshtha pers. comm. 2002). The dam also attracts more than 100 Brahminy Ducks, 300 Demoiselle Crane Grus virgo, River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii and Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus in large numbers during winter. With the data available with us, the site does not qualify as an IBA but it has great potential to be developed as an excellent waterfowl refuge if water spread is maintained and poaching is controlled. Secondly, globally threatened Sarus Crane breeds here (3-4 pairs). Therefore, we have included it in the IBA list.

OTHER KEY FAUNA: Not much is known about the aquatic fauna, but four species of fishes were identified during a short visit: Esomus sp., Heteropneustes fossilis, Puntius sophore, and P. ticto.

MAIN THREATS: Agriculture; Pollution by pesticides; Encroachment; Eutrophication.

Over-use of water for agriculture, use of pesticides, encroachment in the lake by local villagers, reduction in water level, and eutrophication are the major conservation issues. This wetland is commonly used for agriculture, fishing, and drinking/wallowing by cattle and clay gathering. Agricultural practices were observed in the dried up area of the dam. Detailed studies on the avifauna, especially on Sarus cranes are required urgently. Conservation awareness amongst local villagers and decision makers would help in making Sareri Dam as an excellent waterfowl refuge.

Key contributor: Manoj Kulshreshtha.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Sareri Bandh (India). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/sareri-bandh-iba-india on 23/12/2024.