Wildlife in Rajasthan
A considerable portion of Rajasthan lies in the desert region yet this has not deterred
wildlife from flourishing there. From the majestic Tigers to the elegant peacocks
and extremely endangered Black Bucks - animals birds and reptiles are found there
in plenty. There are quiet a numebr of wildlife species typical to the desert region
found in some of parks as well.
Some popular wildlife sanctuary of Rajasthan have been listed and given below:
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary | Desert National Park | Keoladeo Ghana National Park | Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary | Mount Abu Sanctuary |
Ranthambore National Park | Sariska
Wildlife Sanctuary | Sita Mata Wildlife
Sanctuary
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Kota
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is the erstwhile royal hunting preserve of the Maharaja
of Kota. The wildlife sanctuary is thickly forested, lying along the southeastern
border of Kota. This hilly sanctuary with thick forests is worth a visit.
At the Darrah sanctuary, there are spotted Deers, Wild boars, Bears, Sambhars, Leopards,
Panthers and Antelopes. The sanctuary is sometimes closed during the monsoon (usually
from early July to mid September). This sanctuary spreads over an area of 250 sq
Km, almost 50 Km from Kota.
The best time to visit is between the Darrah wildlife sanctuary is February to May.
Desert National Park, Jaisalmer
Rajasthan is an abode of many wildlife sanctuaries and National Park, however none
of them is similar to the Desert National Park. The park is widely different from
a usual park and actually for a novice, the park has little importance. Nonetheless,
the Desert National Park has an important role to play in maintaining the ecological
balance of the region.
It is the largest park in the state of Rajasthan spreading over an area of 3162
sq km. Around one fifth of the park is covered with sand dunes. The rest of the
landmass comprises craggy rocks, compact salt lakes bottoms, inter medial areas
and fixed dunes.
The vegetation is sparse with only few grasses and shrubs that provide food for
the wildlife inhabitants of the park.
The animals of the park include Desert Fox, Bengal Fox, Desert Cat, Wolf, hedgehog,
Black Buck and Chinkara. These animals have live in an extremely difficult terrain,
still they have managed to survive.
There is a fair number of reptiles found in the park as well. These are Spiny Tail
Lizard, Monitor Lizard, Russel's Viper, chameleons and Sind Krait.
The bird population of the park is responsible for making it hugely attractive.
The Great Indian Bustard which is a protected species in India, finds a safe shelter
in this park.
Birds found in this park are Sand Grouse, Partridges, Bee Eaters, Larks, Shrikes,
Harriers, Falcons, Buzzards, Kestrel, Vultures, Short-toed Eagles, Tawny Eagles,
Spotted Eagles and Lagger. Demoiselle Cranes and Houbara flock to this park in the
winter months.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur
Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the best bird
preserves in the world. The park was created by the erstwhile Maharaja - Suraj Mal,
in the 18th century. The sanctuary was created so as to supply a regular stock of
waterfowls to the royal kitchen.
The park was accorded the status of a sanctuary in the year 1956 and in 1982 declared
as a national park. The sanctuary supports a large number of water birds, including
many rare species.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is now declared a "World Heritage" by UNESCO. The entire
park is situated over an area of approximately 29 sq. km., with a water body covering
an area of approximately 11 sq. km.
The uninitiated visitor gets an impression of an untamed forest right in the midst
of a bustling town "Bharatpur". Yet, that is not so, nature lovers soon realize
that, despite being located so near to a town, the natural habitat required for
wildlife should be well preserved.
Therefore, due to efforts of the localities, a large variety of local as well as
migratory birds are found in the park. Depending on the various surroundings of
the forest.
This former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajah is now, one of the major wintering
areas for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and
Siberia. Some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian Crane, have been
recorded in the park. ...more on Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a premier wildlife retreat, some 90 kms from Udaipur
city. It lies at the foothills of Aravali and features rocky
Kumbhalgarh lies bounded by rugged terrains of Aravali Hills. This wildlife sanctuary
is spread over the regions of Rajsamand and Udaipur. Due to its close proximity
with that of Udaipur, it is fast turning into a major tourist attraction. The sanctuary
is famous for its wolves.
Its natural beauty encompasses the peaceful stretches of forests that see a great
many species of flora and fauna. Avian species contribute an equal share and that
is how things come to life here, with the sweet sound of some rare birds. It is
a great hunt for photographers and people who have an inclination for such places.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is know for its wolves. Other wild species supported
by the sanctuary include leopards, hyena, jackal, sloth bear, sambhar, nilgai and
gazelles. Avian species include fowls, peacocks, doves, parakeets, golden orioles,
doves and kingfishers.
Mount Abu Sanctuary, Mount Abu
The sanctuary located in Mount Abu was declared as a protected area in the year
1960 and ever since then this sanctuary which is spread over the gorgeous Aravalli
range of mountains has been attracting not only domestic tourists but also tourists
from overseas. Mount Abu is Rajasthan's only hill station and in the days of yore
it used to be the summer retreat of Rajasthan's royalty.
The sanctuary is a biodiversity hot spot and has a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Some of the resident animal species include Langoor, Hyena, Indian Civet, Wild Boar,
Pangolin, Sambhar, Jungle Cat, Porcupine and Hedge hog to name just a few. In the
past the sanctuary also was inhabited by lions and tigers which have now vanished.
The lions in particular have moved to Gir Sanctuary in neighboring Gujrat.
Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur
The Ranthambore National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal, in the south, and
Banas, in the north. It was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the
very first phase of Project Tiger in 1972.
In 1981 Ranthambore was awarded National Park status. Characterized by rocky plains,
flat hilltops, gentle slopes and precipitous cliffs, covered by dry deciduous forests.
Ranthambore is virtually an island rich in flora and fauna in an ocean of villages,
farmland and over grazed arid land.
A heaven for a multitude of wild animals, the park boasts of playing host to tigers,
leopards, the elusive caracals, striped hyenas, sloth bears, jungle cats, wild boars,
crocodiles and so on. Besides, there are over 300 species of birds, from the rare
Indian Courser to the beautiful Painted Sand Grouse.
Some of the fascinating places to see in Ranthambore National Park are: Padam Talao,
Rajbagh Talao, Malik Talao. You can go for National Park rides, jeep safaris, camel
rides, bird watching excursions and nature walks.
Opening Time: The park is open from 1st October till 30th June. ...more on
Ranthambore National Park
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Alwar
Sariska National Park, located some 37 kms from the disrict of Alwar, is a great
place to spend exciting and adventurous vacations. Lined up by a number of hills
of Aravali, the region is bifurcated into many narrow valleys that criss cross at
many places. Sariska National Park used to be the hunting grounds for the royal
family of Alwar.
Tiger is one of the many species people come looking for. Sariska, like Ranthambhore
National Park is home to the diurnal tigers. Although, their number is less nowadays,
but encounters do take place. Some other jungle species include leopard, wild dog,
hyena, jackal, sambar, chital, nilgai, chausingha, wild boar and langur. ...more
on Sariska National Park
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur
The Sita Mata wildlife sanctuary is located in forests of bamboo and dry deciduous
vegetation about 108 km from Udaipur. The Sanctuary provides rich pastures for a
variety of Deer that includes the Chousingha and for Caracal wild Boar, Pangolin
and Leopards.
Sitamata Sanctuary is spread over the Araveli and Vindhyachal mountain ranges and
is the only forest region where teak trees of building value are found. In this
sanctuary, around 50% trees are of teak. Besides these salar, tendu, amla and bamboo
bel are also found in abundance. The leopard, hyena, jackal, fox, jungle cat, porcupine,
spotted deer, wild bear, four - horned antelope and Nilgai are the animals found
here.
The most conspicuous animal of the Sita Mata sanctuary is the flying squirrel which
can be seen gliding from one tree to another after sunset.