Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

This shallow reservoir dominated by open water areas was originally constructed for irrigation in 1912. In 1988, it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary to protect the birdlife found there: it is on the Central Asian Flyway and more than 320 bird species can be found, making up some 57% of all the bird species of Gujarat. More than 110 waterbird species have been recorded, about 43% of India’s waterbird species, with almost 30% of those species being migratory waterbirds. More than 30 of the waterbirds are threatened, such as the critically endangered white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius), and the vulnerable sarus crane (Grus antigone), common pochard (Aythya farina) and lesser white-fronted goose (Anser erythropus). This wetland regularly hosts more than 1% of the population of species including glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus). It is also essential during the dry seasons for a population of blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) and other mammals in the surrounding area. The Lake provides water for drinking and irrigation and enables groundwater recharge, and is also used for recreation and tourism. The vegetation provides excellent thatching material and is also used as fodder for domestic animals.