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For all one's inclination to believe that Rajasthan
is a desert, it is difficult to ignore the fact that
the region, in fact, has a varied topography, and
includes from semi-arid, desert-like conditions to
among the oldest mountains in the world, and lush,
water-filled valleys. No wonder too that its
wildlife is so rich in variety, including from the
tiger and leopard to endless varieties of deer,
rhesus monkeys, reptiles including the python, and a
profusion of bird-life that includes water-birds.
Despite a comparatively hostile terrain, Rajasthan amazingly has a rich wildlife and is the abode of a number of mammals and birds. Its vast size and latitudinal variations above the sea level of 1,700m provides it with varied vegetation. Rajasthan provides semi green forests of Mount Abu to dry grasslands of the desert, and from the dry deciduous thorn forest of Aravali to wetlands of Bharatpur
The Sanctuaries, an isolated landscape with some backdrops, attract herds of species from all over to their temporary habitat that provides comfortable subsistence. In the season time, the wildlife sanctuaries and parks echo with enchanting sounds and fascinating visuals against the sprawling meadow of flora. Rajasthan is the haven of the tigers and many endangered species
Rajasthan is a heaven for a wide spectrum of wildlife. The topography of Rajasthan ranges from the barren desert, scrub-thorn arid forests, rocks and ravines to wetlands and lush, green forests. Rajasthan is the home of the tigers, black bucks, chinkara, the rare desert fox, the endangered caracal, the great Indian bustard, gavial, monitor lizard, wild boars, porcupine.
Migratory birds like the common crane, ducks, coots, pelicans and the rare Siberian cranes, imperial sandgrouse, falcons, buzzards flocks to this state during the winter months. Typical areas representing each of the ecosystems have been earmarked as special areas of wildlife. Rajasthan boasts of two National Parks, over a dozen Sanctuaries and two Closed Areas. Most of these areas are open to visitors round the year but are closed briefly during the monsoon.
Around 550 species of birds can be traced in the lakes, ponds, marshlands and grasslands of of Rajasthan. They are an absolute paradise for bird lovers most of which are residents. The best colony of birds in the world is Kealodeo National Park situated in Bharatpur. It has more than 400 species of birds and more than 130 of them breed inside the park. Being a unique bird place, the UNSECO has recognized it as a world heritage site.
The best season for bird watching begins with the onset of winter when marshlands and lakes are inhabited by migratory birds as well as resident birds. Flamingos, too can be seen in salt-water lakes like Pachpadra near Barmer and Sambhar near Jaipur. The major wetlands other than
Bharatpur in Rajasthan are :
Jaipur -- Kukas, Kalah, Bund, Buchora Chandi, Chhaparwara and Ramgarh
Alwar -- Silislerh Jaisamand and Mansarover
Udaipur -- Ana Sagar and Faterhsagar in Ajmer, Jaisamand,Pichhola and Badi ka Talab
Jodhpur -- Balsamand and Sardar Samand
Chittaurgarh -- Bassi Dam
Bhilwara -- Meja Dam
Let's explore the wildlife
of Rajasthan
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