Geography of Rajasthan: Biodiversity & its Conservation: Rajasthan is a vast desert state in northwestern India with diverse range of ecosystem and rich biodiversity. Despite its arid climate, the state supports a variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic or endangered.
Rajasthan’s diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity are essential for maintaining ecological balance and providing numerous benefits to humans.
Biodiversity: Introduction
Wildlife traditionally refers to undomesticated animal species, but has come to include all organisms that grow or live wild in an area without being introduced by humans. Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems.
Also, check: Rajasthan General Studies | General Knowledge of Rajasthan
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Rajasthan: Biodiversity & its Conservation
Sanctuary is an area which is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance. The Sanctuary is declared for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment. Certain rights of people living inside the Sanctuary could be permitted. Further, during the settlement of claims, before finally notifying the Sanctuary, the Collector may, in consultation with the Chief Wildlife Warden, allow the continuation of any right of any person in or over any land within the limits of the Sanctuary.
A sanctuary is a protected area which is reserved for the conservation of only animal and human activities like harvesting of timber, collecting minor forest products and private ownership rights are allowed as long as they do not interfere with well-being of animals. Boundaries of sanctuaries are not well defined and controlled biotic interference is permitted.
Definition of Wildlife Sanctuary: Wildlife Sanctuary, as the name suggests, is the place that is reserved exclusively for the use of wildlife, which includes animals, reptiles, insects, birds etc. Otherwise called as wildlife refuges, it provides habitat and safe & healthy living conditions to the wild animals especially to the endangered and rare ones so that they can live peacefully for their entire life and maintain their viable population.
For proper management of the sanctuary, rangers or guards are appointed to patrol the region. They ensure the safety of animals, from poaching, predating or harassing.
- International Union of Conservation of Nature, shortly called as IUCN has grouped wildlife sanctuaries in Category IV of protected areas.
Definition of National Park: National Park implies an area that is exclusively designated by the government for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity due to its natural, cultural and historical significance. It is home to millions of animals, birds, insects, microorganisms, etc. of different genes and species, which provides a healthy and safe environment to them.
National Parks, not only conserve wildlife, but it also provides an amusement of the environmental and scenic heritage, in a way and by those means that does not cause harm to it, so as to provide enjoyment to the future generations. The plantation, cultivation, grazing, hunting and predating of animals, destruction of flowers are highly prohibited.
Also, check: Major physiographic regions and their characteristics
Differences between Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park:
The points given below explain the difference between wildlife sanctuary and national park:
- Wildlife sanctuary can be understood as the regions where wildlife and their habitat are protected from any disturbance. Conversely, a National park is the area of countryside, which is specifically designated for wildlife, where they can live freely and use the natural resources.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries are famous for the conservation of wildlife, which includes animals, insects, microorganisms, birds, etc. of different genes and species. On the other hand, National Parks are highly known preserving the flora, fauna, landscape and historical objects.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries aims at ensuring that a substantial population of the wildlife and their habitats are maintained. As against, National Parks safeguards the environmental, scenic and cultural heritage of the region.
- When it comes to restrictions, national parks are highly restricted areas, which are not open to all the people, whereas wildlife sanctuaries have lesser restrictions than national parks.
- To visit national parks, official permission is to be taken from the requisite authorities. In contrast, no official permission is to be taken to visit a wildlife sanctuary.
- Boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries are not sacrosanct. However, the national parks have clearly marked boundaries.
- Human activities are allowed to a limited extent in the wildlife sanctuaries, but in case of national parks, they are strictly prohibited by the authorities.
Difference between Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserves & National Park:
Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a consecrated place where sacred species are kept. It is not open for general public, unlike zoo. In other words, we say, it tries not to allow any activity that would place the animals in an unduly stressful situation. India has 543 wildlife sanctuaries.
Characteristics of Wildlife Sanctuary:
1. It is natural area which is reserve by a governmental or private agency for the protection of particular species.
2. Area is designated for the protection of wild animals.
3. Only animals are conserved, Could be private property also, outside activities allowed
4. It came under the category called “Protected Areas”. The Protected Areas are declared under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
5. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has defined its Category IV type of protected areas.
National Parks: It is a home to many species of birds and animals which is established by central and state government for the conservation.
Characteristics of National Park:
1. Reserve area of land, owned by the government.
2. Area is protected from human exploitation, industrialization and pollution.
3. No cutting, Grazing allowed, Outside Species Allowed
4. It came under the category called “Protected Areas”. The Protected Areas are declared under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
5. Conservation of ‘wild nature’ for posterity and as a symbol of national pride.
6. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and its World Commission on Protected Areas, has defined its Category II type of protected areas.
Biosphere Reserve: The International Coordinating Council (ICC) of UNESCO designated of ‘Biosphere reserve’ for natural areas from November, 1971.
Characteristics of Biosphere Reserve:
1. Notified areas which cover a larger area of land which may cover multiple National Parks, Sanctuaries and reserves as well.
2. Areas are meant for conservation of biodiversity of a specific area.
3. Three areas: Core, Buffer & Marginal. No outside Species allowed Conservation & research purpose.
4. It is internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme and nominated by national governments.
5. The Ministry of Environment and Forest provides financial assistance to the respective State governments for conservation of landscape and biological diversity and cultural heritage.
Also, check: Geography of Rajasthan: Major physiographic regions and their characteristics
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rajasthan
| Sanctuary | Declared | Area (km2) | District |
| Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary | 1985 | 192.76 | Bharatpur |
| Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary | 1988 | 152.9 | Chittaurgarh |
| Bhainsrodgarh Wildlife Sanctuary | 1983 | 229.14 | Chittaurgarh |
| Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary | 1955 | 52 | Rajsamand |
| Jamwa Ramgarh Wildlife Sanctuary | 1982 | 300 | Jaipur |
| Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary | 1975 | 100 | Kota |
| Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary | 1983 | 676.38 | Sawai Madhopur |
| Kesarbagh Wildlife Sanctuary | 1955 | 14.76 | Dholpur |
| Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary | 1971 | 578.25 | Pali, Udaipur |
| Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary | 1960 | 288.84 | Sirohi |
| Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary | 1980 | 50 | Jaipur |
| National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary | 1979 | 280 | Kota |
| Phulwari ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary | 1983 | 511.41 | Pali, Udaipur |
| Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary | 1982 | 301 | Bundi |
| Ramsagar Wildlife Sanctuary | 1955 | 34.4 | Dholpur |
| Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary | 1987 | 5.19 | Udaipur |
| Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary | 1955 | 492 | Alwar |
| Sawai Madhopur Wildlife Sanctuary | 1955 | 131.3 | Sawai Madhopur |
| Sawai Man Singh Wildlife Sanctuary | 1984 | 103.25 | Sawai Madhopur |
| Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary | 1983 | 98.71 | Kota |
| Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary | 1979 | 422.94 | Chittaurgarh, Udaipur |
| Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary | 1971 | 7.9 | Churu |
| Todgarh-Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary | 1983 | 495.27 | Ajmer, Pali, Rajsamand |
| Van Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary | 1955 | 59.93 | Dholpur |
| Sorsan Wildlife Sanctuary | 2023 | Baran | |
| Khichan Wildlife Sanctuary | 2023 | Jodhpur | |
| Hamirgarh Wildlife Sanctuary | 2023 | Bhilwara |
Also, check: Geography of Rajasthan: Climatic characteristics
National Parks of Rajasthan
| S. No. | Name of National Park | Year of Notification | Total Area (Sqkm) |
| 1 | Mukundra Hills (Darrah) | 2006 | 200.54 |
| 2 | Desert National Park | 1992 | 3162 |
| 3 | Keoladeo Ghana National Park | 1981 | 28.73 |
| 4 | Ranthambore National Park | 1980 | 282 |
| 5 | Sariska National Park | 1982 | 273.8 |
Mukundra Hills (Darrah) National Park
Mukundra Hills National Park is also known as Darrah wildlife Sanctuary. Darrah wildlife Sanctuary is located in Rajasthan. The sanctuary is located to the southeastern border of the town Kota.
Darrah was declared a (Protected area) wildlife sanctuary in 1955, and visitors now require seeking permission from the local forest ranger to visit the park. The total area of the sanctuary is about 250 sq. km.
In past, Darrah sanctuary was the royal hunting ground of the Maharaja of Kota. This place is located at a distance of about 50 km from Kota. It is located on the eastern bank of Chambal River and is drained by its tributaries.
The Darrah wildlife sanctuary was declared as a National park (Mukundra Hills (Darrah) National Park) in 2004. Total area of the National park is about 200 sq. km. Mukundra Hills (Darrah) National Park is a combination of three wildlife sanctuaries namely Darrah wildlife sanctuary, Chambal wildlife sanctuary and Jaswant Sagar wildlife sanctuary.
The park got the nod from National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2013 and the state (Rajasthan) bagged its third tiger reserve in the form of the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve. But now perhaps it is the one of its kind without a tiger in it.
The name Darrah is taken as the ‘Pass’ in the local language revealing the purpose that the region served earlier. The Marathas, Rajput’s and the British utilized the opportune position of the forest to seek asylum during war.
The park is situated between two parallel mountains viz. Mukundra and Gagrola which run across a length of about 80 km (from Murlipura to Rawatbhata). The four rivers which form the boundary of this valley are Ramzan, Ahu, Kali and Chambal.
The densely wooded Darrah Sanctuary is spread all over the hilly terrain. The forest of the sanctuary is very thick and dense.
Also, check: Geography of Rajasthan: Major Rivers & Lakes
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore is a beautiful place, located in the Sawai Madhopur district of the state of Rajasthan. Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern India.
Ranthambore was (Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955) declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957, and came under the “Project Tiger “as a Tiger reserves in 1973-74. The total area of the sanctuary is about 400 sq. km.
- The Ranthambore tiger reserve was declared as a National park in 1981. Total area of the National park is about 282 sq. km.
- Ranthambore was a hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the park at Ranthambore was once the scene of royal hunting parties in the past.
- Ranthambore National Park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic tigers.
Ranthambore National Park is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, located at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill range.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from the gentle to the steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhayas to the conical hillocks and the sharp ridges of the Aravallis. An important geological feature the ‘Great Boundary Fault’ where the Vindhayas plateaus meet the Aravalli hill ranges.
The Rivers Chambal in the South and the Banas in the North bound the National Park. Pure stands of the Dhok interspersed with open grasslands of the plateaus, six large lakes – Gilai Sagar, Mansarovar, Malik talao, Raj Bagh and Padam Talao with in the National Park.
The rugged park terrain alternates between dry deciduous forest, open grassy meadow, dotted by several lakes and rivers that are only made passable by rough roads built and maintained by the Forest Service.
There are many water bodies located all over the park, which provide perfect relief during the extremely hot summer months for the forest inhabitants.
A huge fort, after which the park is named, towers over the park atop a hill. There are many ruins of bygone eras scattered all over the jungle, which give it a unique, wonderful and mixed flavour of nature, history and wildlife.
Tigers at Ranthambore National park have been known to even hunt in full view of human visitors. These tigers are famous for being seen in the daytime too, due to their lack of fear of human presence in vehicles. This lack of fear of humans is excellent for tourists, as they get to see the tigers often.
Also, check: Geography of Rajasthan: Natural Vegetation & Soil
Desert National Park
Desert National Park is a beautiful place, located in the Jaisalmer district of the state of Rajasthan. Desert National Park is one of the largest national parks in India. The Desert National Park is also a protected sanctuary.
The Desert protected sanctuary was declared as a National park in 1980. Total area of the National park is about 3162 km2. The desert is a harsh place to sustain life and thus most of the fauna and flora live on the edge.
The great Indian Bustard is a magnificent bird and can be seen in considerably good numbers in this park. It migrates locally in different seasons. The region is a heaven for migratory and resident birds of the desert.
1. Desert National park harbours a wide array of flora and fauna species.
2. It is only place where Rajasthan State Bird (Great Indian Bustard), State animal (Camel) and State tree (Khejri) and State flower (Rohida) are found naturally.
3. It also has fossil evidences dating back to the Jurassic Period indicating hot and humid climate characterized by dense forests. 180 million years old fossils of animals and plants are preserved at Wood Fossil Park at Akal, situated 17 km away from Jaisalmer.
4. The Desert National Park is a unique and fragile ecosystem. More than 60 per cent of it is simply semi-arid desert.
5. The seemingly barren lands gradually dissolve at the horizon touching Pakistan.
6. But the warm sands of the Desert National Park beyond Jaisalmer form a fertile micro broth hiding an astounding variety of animals and birds.
7. Desert National Park is an excellent example of the desert ecosystem.
8. The landform primarily comprises rocks and compact salt lake bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes.
9. The topography of Desert National Park supports sandy, gravelly, rocky, and compact salt lake bottoms. Sandy areas dominate the western parts of Jaisalmer district, while gravelly and rocky areas are scattered throughout central, southern and eastern areas.
10. The Desert National Park is barren with several sand dunes and a few hills in the north-western region. The Park forms a vast sandy and undulating terrain.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
- Bird Sanctuary-1971
- National Park-1981
- Ramsar site Oct-1981
- World Heritage Site-1985
- Reserve forest
Keoladeo Ghana National Park is also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary or Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. Keoladeo Ghana National Park is located in the Bharatpur district of the state of Rajasthan.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park famous for housing of birds, and was created around 250 years ago. The name Keoladeo has been derived from a nearby ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva (Maharaja Suraj Mal).
1. Keoladeo Ghana National Park also famous migrant species of birds, including the Common, Demoiselle and the rare Siberian Cranes
2. Keoladeo was declared a Bird Sanctuary in 1971. The Keoladeo bird sanctuary was declared as a National park in 1981.
3. Total area of the National park is about 28.7 sq. km.
4. Keoladeo Ghana National Park was announced as a Ramsar site under the Wetland Convention in October 1981.
5. Keoladeo was designated a World Heritage Site under the world Heritage Convention in 1985 by UNESCO.
6. It is a Reserve forest under the Rajasthan Forest Act, 1953 and therefore, is the property of the State of Rajasthan of the Indian Union.
7. The park was a hunting ground for the maharaja of Bharatpur, who turned his personal hunting domain into a bird sanctuary in 1956.
8. Maharaja of Bharatpur setting up the sanctuary, building a dam and an artificial lake to store the rains that would fall in torrents during the monsoons.
9. Duck shoots were organized yearly in honor of the British viceroys. In one shoot alone in 1938, about 4,250 birds were killed by Lord Linlithgow. The last big shoot was held in 1964 but the Maharajah retained shooting rights until 1972.
10. Grazing of village cattle was banned in this area in 1982, which led to clashes between government and local farmers.
Sariska National Park
- Wildlife Reserve-1955
- Wildlife Sanctuary-1958
- (1979) Sariska Tiger Reserve
- National Park-1982
1. Sariska is a beautiful place, located in the Alwar district of the state of Rajasthan.
2. The area of Sariska, being a part of the Aravalli Range.
3. Sariska was declared a wildlife Reserve in 1955.
4. The reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958 and came under the “Project Tiger” as a Sariska tiger reserve in 1979.
5. The total area of the sanctuary is about 800 sq. km.
6. The Sariska tiger reserve was declared as a National park in 1982. Total area of the National park is about 273.8 sq. km.
7. The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravalli hill range.
8. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, rocky landscapes, tropical forest, grasslands, dry deciduous forests, rocks and hilly cliffs.
9. The area of Sariska is rich in mineral resources, such as copper.
10. Supreme Court of India ban on mining in the area of Sariska National park, in 1991.
11. Sariska is the first tiger reserve in the world to have successfully relocated tigers.
Sariska was a hunting reserve for royal families in past. Its plentiful tiger population supported by large herds of Sambhar and Nilgai was the ideal place for the royals of the state as well as their visiting guests to go on shikharas. The broad range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well as erratic.
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