Wildlife in Rajasthan – B.Sc.
Notes
🐍 Reptiles in Rajasthan
● Rajasthan’s arid and semi-arid climate supports a variety of reptilian species.
● Desert National Park, Sariska, and Ranthambore are major habitats.
Commonly found reptilian species include:
● Indian Cobra (Naja naja) – Venomous, sacred in Indian culture.
● Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) – Found in rocky and dry habitats.
● Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus) – Highly venomous, nocturnal.
● Monitor Lizard (Varanus spp.) – Found in deserts and scrub forests.
● Indian Python (Python molurus) – Non-venomous, found in dense forests and near water
bodies.
● Spiny-tailed Lizard (Saara hardwickii) – Common in the Thar desert; herbivorous and
important prey species.
● Fan-throated Lizard (Sitana ponticeriana) – Known for its colorful throat fan.
Many reptiles in Rajasthan are well-adapted to desert conditions, such as burrowing, heat
tolerance, and water conservation.
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🐦 Birds in Rajasthan
● Rajasthan is a bird-watching paradise, especially during the winter migratory season.
● Over 500 species of birds have been recorded.
Famous bird habitats:
● Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur) – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
● Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, Sambhar Lake, Desert National Park.
Important bird species:
● Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) – Critically endangered; state bird of
Rajasthan.
● Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone) – Tallest flying bird; found near wetlands.
● Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) – National bird; common in forests and villages.
● Flamingos – Especially in Sambhar Lake; feed on saline water plankton.
● Painted Stork, Spoonbill, Ibis, Herons – Found near wetlands.
● Raptors like Eagles, Vultures, Kites – Found in semi-arid and hilly regions.
● Migratory birds – Include ducks, geese, pelicans, and warblers (October to March).
Threats include habitat loss, water scarcity, climate change, and human disturbances.
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🐾 Mammals in Rajasthan
● Rajasthan supports diverse mammalian fauna from arid-adapted species to forest
dwellers.
● Protected areas like Ranthambore, Sariska, Desert National Park, and Kumbhalgarh are
key habitats.
●
Notable mammals include:
● Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris) – Found in Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger
Reserves.
● Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus) – Widespread, especially in rocky hills and forests.
● Caracal (Caracal caracal) – Rare; found in dry and open terrains.
● Desert Fox (Vulpes vulpes pusilla) – Adapted to arid Thar Desert conditions.
● Chinkara (Gazella bennettii) – Indian gazelle; agile and well-suited to desert life.
● Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) – Protected species; found in grasslands and
scrublands.
● Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) – Asia’s largest antelope; found in open forests.
● Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) – Scavenger; nocturnal and elusive.
● Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) – In forested hills, mainly in south Rajasthan.
● Indian Desert Cat, Jungle Cat, Indian Hare – Common small mammals.
Mammals face threats from poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict.
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🛡️ Conservation Efforts in Rajasthan
● Protected areas: Over 30 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
Key protected areas:
● Ranthambore National Park
● Sariska Tiger Reserve
● Desert National Park
● Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
● Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Conservation projects:
● Project Tiger – Sariska & Ranthambore.
● Bustard Conservation – Desert National Park.
● Vulture conservation – Breeding and awareness programs.
● Eco-tourism and community involvement are promoted.
