World Wetlands Day: Argentina, India, South Africa name new Wetlands of International Importance
In celebration of the World Wetlands Day 2025, South Africa and Argentina have designated some areas as Wetland of International Importance. For instance, South Africa has designated Mkambati Nature Reserve in Eastern Cape Province as its 31st Wetland of International Importance. This new “Ramsar Site” (no. 2554 on the “Ramsar List”) is located on the Indian Ocean about 71 kilometres from the town of Flagstaff.
The Reserve spans over 1,000 hectares and is home to rare ecosystems, including unique swamp forests and estuaries that support vital biodiversity. The two larger estuaries are those of the Msikaba and Mtentu Rivers. The Reserve is one of only a few protected areas within the Pondoland Centre of Plant Endemism, which holds 196 endemic plant species; those found in the Reserve include the threatened Natal quince (Cryptocarya natalensis), Pondo white pear (Apodytes abbottii), Kei bauhinia (Bauhinia bowkeri), and Pondo lanternflower (Ceropegia tenella).
The Reserve is also home to diverse animals, including the nationally-endangered variable legless skink (Acontias poecilus), and the globally threatened Boneberg’s frog (Natalobatrachus bonebergi), river bream (Acanthopagrus vagus), Japanese meagre (Argyrosomus japonicus) and Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). The newly discovered endemic diving beetle Copelatus mkambati is also found here.
Both the Msikaba and Mtentu estuaries are vital as fish nursery areas, while the Mtentu estuary is globally unique for providing shoals where adult giant kingfish seek thermal refuge from cold sea waters. The Site’s rivers, waterfalls, and wetlands maintain exceptional water quality, playing a key role in water regulation and habitat stability. In addition to sustaining biodiversity, it plays a crucial role in erosion control, climate regulation, cultural heritage and tourism. The Reserve is categorized as a strict nature reserve under the IUCN protected areas categories (2008) and has an actively implemented management plan.
Similarly, Argentina has added Península Mitre (“Ramsar Site” no. 2557) to the List of Wetlands of International Importance.
Situated at the southernmost tip of South America, the Site covers almost 370,000 hectares on the eastern Argentinian sector of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. Its diverse landscapes include native Nothofagus forests, rare blanket bog peatlands, and coastal and marine ecosystems such as forests of giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera and meadows of southern bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica. The Site entirely falls within the Península Mitre Natural Protected Area.
The Site’s location at the confluence of the Pacific, Atlantic and Circumpolar ocean currents creates a unique environment that fosters biodiversity and high levels of endemism. Its ecosystems serve as critical breeding grounds and shelters for numerous species. Among the rare and endemic animals found are the endangered southern river otter (Lontra provocax) and marine otter (Lontra felina), and the vulnerable southern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome). The Site also supports endemic plant species such as Astelia pumila, Donatia fascicularis and Drosera uniflora.
The Site plays a vital role in mitigating climate change through its peatlands and kelp forests, which function as natural carbon sinks. Its vegetation also prevents soil erosion and limits sediment runoff into rivers and coastal waters, preserving its ecosystems. Adding to its significance, the Site hosts archaeological sites that provide evidence of human presence dating back 6,000 years, offering valuable insights into the lives of the region’s earliest inhabitants.
Also, India has marked World Wetlands Day by designating Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Khachoedpalri Wetland, Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary as Wetlands of International Importance (“Ramsar Sites”).
Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary (Site no. 2559 on the “Ramsar List”) comprises two interconnected wetlands, Pataura Lake and Barhel Lake, which are surrounded by the hillocks of the Rajamahal Hills and linked by a channel to the Ganga River. In 2016, the Site was designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area due to its role in providing habitat for over 140 birds. Among these, the Site provides habitat for the endangered band-tailed fish eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) and the vulnerable common pochard (Aythya ferina) and lesser adjutant stork (Leptoptilos javanicus).
Khachoedpalri Wetland (Site no. 2560) is a temperate Himalayan high altitude wetland ecosystem. The central lake is surrounded by peatland and a temperate forest of evergreen oaks, chestnuts and laurels, providing more than 680 species critical refuge from volatile mountain conditions. Notably, the Site serves as an important habitat and stopover site for birds migrating across the Himalayas, including the critically endangered Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri). It is also home to the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and the vulnerable Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger), both of which are endemic to the region.
Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Site no. 2561) is a peri-urban wetland located within three villages in southern Tamil Nadu. The wetland plays a crucial role in maintaining the hydrological regime of the area, preventing soil erosion, replenishing groundwater, and serving as a buffer during floods and extreme rainfall. It supports more than 120 species of birds, and in 2012, the Site was designated as a bird sanctuary. The abundant babul (Acacia nilotica) trees in the Site provide ideal nesting habitat for eight bird species, including the near-threatened spot-billed pelican (Pelecanus philippensis). The Site also provides vital habitat for amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates.
Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Site no. 2562) is a marshy lake located within Therthangal village in southern Tamil Nadu. The wetland is fed by two rivers during the rainy season. Ninety-six bird species have been recorded in the Site, including the endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and the vulnerable Indian spotted eagle (Clanga hastata). The Site also supports 133 plant, 57 butterfly, 11 reptile, seven mammal, and six amphibian species.
