Smallest Ramsar Site, Renuka Wetland, Becomes Crucial Winter Refuge for Migratory Birds

The Renuka Wetland, officially recognized as India's smallest Ramsar site, is currently providing a vital sanctuary for an influx of avian life during the winter season. Data compiled by the Wildlife Department under the Shimla Circle, as of the second week of January 2026, confirms the presence of approximately 423 migratory bird species congregating within the lake's upper reaches. This significant gathering highlights the ecological importance of this freshwater ecosystem, which spans approximately 20 hectares.

The recent census data details a notable presence of specific species, recording 207 individuals of the Eurasian Moorhen and 137 individuals of the Eurasian Coot among the wintering population. The wetland’s biodiversity is further supported by sightings of Mallards, cormorants, teals, and sandpipers, with the Northern Pintail and Great Egret also contributing to the seasonal avian diversity. Designated as Ramsar Site No. 1571 on November 8, 2005, the wetland is sustained by underground springs and streams flowing from the surrounding Shivalik foothills, ensuring a stable habitat.

Wildlife Department officials have noted that these long-distance travelers undertake arduous journeys from distant regions, including Siberia, Kazakhstan, China, and Turkey, to escape the severe cold and resource scarcity in their native lands. The Central Asian Flyway (CAF) serves as a principal migratory corridor connecting these Siberian breeding grounds to South Asia, where wetlands like those in the Brahmaputra Valley act as critical recuperation spots after crossing the Himalayan barrier. The arrival of birds such as the Siberian Stonechat, which travels thousands of kilometers from Siberia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan, underscores the vast scope of these migratory patterns.

Strategically situated within the larger Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary, the site benefits from forest protection that aids in the conservation of both its aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. While its area is small at 20 hectares, its ecological value is substantial, supporting over 100 bird species, 19 fish species, and hundreds of documented fauna, including ungulates like Sambhar and Barking deer. The Ramsar designation brings international recognition, emphasizing the responsibility for sustainable management, pollution control, and the protection of its catchment area, which receives an average annual precipitation between 150 and 199.9 cm.

This annual influx of birds typically remains for nearly three months before returning as temperatures rise, a period crucial for their survival as they seek warmer weather and abundant food resources. The clean water and plentiful aquatic vegetation within the lake are primary attractants, offering sustenance such as plankton that supports the wintering populations. Furthermore, the wetland holds significant cultural and religious importance, named after the mother of the Hindu sage Parshuram, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually, with a major fair held every November. Management by the Shimla Forest Department focuses on conservation measures, including preventing silt influx and undertaking plantation drives in the catchment area to maintain this delicate ecological balance for the seasonal visitors.