Data Zone
Site description (2004 baseline):
AVIFAUNA: About 166 species of birds are reported from Sheikha and its environs (Rahmani and Sharma, 1997). This wetland harbours more than 10,000 birds during the winter months. While = 20,000 waterbirds may not be found in Sheikha jheel at a time, more than 20,000 water birds use this wetland throughout the year, because large migratory flocks of waders are seen in March-April. Thus, the site would qualify for A4ii criteria. Many waders and ducks are also present in thousands, easily exceeding 1% biogeographic population threshold, recently updated by Wetlands International (2002). About 100-200 Sarus Cranes Grus antigone congregate in this small wetland, mostly in the dry months. According to Wetlands International (2002), 1% threshold of Sarus is 90. Choudhury et al. (1999) have also found Sheikha jheel and the surrounding areas extremely important for the conservation of Sarus crane. During their surveys, they found 30 adults and 10 juveniles. Sighting of Near Threatened Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, sometimes with juveniles, is not uncommon in Sheikha jheel. Nests of Grey Heron Ardea purpurea, Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and other species are found on the large Ficus and Dalbergia trees. A pilot bird ringing project was initiated in 1988 and several birds with Russian rings were recaptured (S.H.A. Yahya pers. comm. 2001).
OTHER KEY FAUNA: As Sheikha jheel is surrounded by agricultural fields and villages, no large wild mammal of conservation concern is found in the area. Only Bluebull or Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus, which is considered sacred by many people, is found. Occasionally, Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra is seen in the drier area on the other side of Aligarh-Jalali road.
Till the mid 1970s, Sheikha jheel was the main shooting ground of local hunters, but due to an intensive campaign by the Nature Conservation Society of Aligarh, hunting was controlled. The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department placed a guard for some years, which greatly helped in preventing poaching. At the same time, villagers were also convinced of the importance of this jheel and now they help to prevent poaching. Being so close to a large university and town, Sheikha jheel could easily become a good place for bird watching and environmental education. A proper management plan needs to be developed and implemented, so that the jheel can attract more visitors and more birds. During the last 30 years of monitoring, there has been no major change in the waterspread, but there is some cultivation around the jheel. Constant vigil is necessary to see that it does not spread closer to the jheel.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Sheikha Jheel (India). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/sheikha-jheel-iba-india on 22/11/2024.