FLORA
The unique ecosystem harbors 480 species of plants including 107 of trees, 55 of shrubs, 215 of herbs, 45 of climbers, 40 of grass, and 15 species of lower plants. (all numbers approx.) Modad, khair, dhavado, saledi, kadaya, timru, khakhara, bor, desi bavalia, bili, dudhi, golar, karanj, arjun sadad, jamun, behda etc,. are some local names for common species found here. The common & scientific names for species found here are - Aam (Magnifera Indica), Imli (Tamarindicus indica), Babul (Accasia nilotica), Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), Ber (Zizyphus mauritania), Dhak or Chila (flame of the forest), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Kadam (Authocephalus cadamba), Khajur (Phoenix sylvestris), Khair (Accacia catechu), Karel (Capparis decidua), Khejda (Prosopis specigera), Kakera (Flacourtia indica), Mohua (Madhuca indica), Neem (Azadirachta indica), etc.
FAUNA
Tiger is the top carnivore of Aravalis, mainly found in Sariska, Ranthambore & Sawai Man Singh Sanctuaries in North – West Rajasthan. Leopard is the top carnivore in The Aravalis in South Rajasthan, which roams freely in the diverse habitat conditions. Important animals: Leopard, rhesus macaque, sloth bear, Indian civet cat, Indian porcupine, hyena, wild boar, wolf, jackal, hare, Black faced Monkey or the Hanuman Langur, Bluebull etc.
THE CLIMATE
The temperature range is extreme, with the mercury dipping to around 2 degrees centigrade in the winters and rising to 47 degrees centigrade in the summers. Mount Abu & areas of Kumbhalgarh are much cooler. Though, some areas around Udaipur & Bundi may get very hot.
IMPORTANT BIRDS
The variety of birds inhabiting the sanctuary includes bulbul, Indian roller, woodpecker, grey hornbill, peafowl, barbet, shrike, etc., and many raptors.
CLICK HERE FOR BIRD'S CHECK LISTMAN - ANIMAL CONFLICT:
Conflict is bound to occur when a life-form encroaches upon others' 'house' or territory. Man destroyed habitats of the wildlife, killed it, and pushed it away to survive in small pockets of natural forest. Wildlife does not recognize legal boundaries and intends to use its areas, which are now occupied by man. Man complains about damage caused by wildlife, but how can innocent animals make their case? It is not correct to say man- wildlife conflict here; it is, virtually, millions of people versus a few surviving animals. In the struggle for survival, wild animals were victorious before the growth of man's civilized society. But they are now losers everywhere in the world. In the long run, however, it seems man is not going to be a winner in this game. Bluebull, wild boar, wild ass, leopard and blackbuck cause serious problems in some areas of the state. Bluebull population has increased to an unbearable extent during the last two decades. With the disappearance of scrub forest and grassland, they started raiding agricultural fields. Farmers retaliated by lodging complaints to the Forest Department and politicians, as people do not believe in killing them. There had been farmers' demonstrations in several distrits, against crop damage by bluebull. To resolve conflicts, the Forest Department issued a license to kill some animals in some areas. A section of people opposed the process, and the process was suspended. The wild boar population in the State is as high as that of the bluebull. They damage crops by digging and cause considerable loss to the farmer. Problems of crop raids by blackbuck are restricted to certain pockets. Leopards in all parts of the state are dependent on livestock. They visit villages in search of water and food. Population management of this animal in its degrading habitat is now a major challenge for the public authorities. People & shepherd communities sometimes retaliate by poisoning leopard's kill.
The Reptiles of Aravalis & in the Forest Reserves & Parks:
Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Tortoise, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Shelled Turtles, Indian Pythons, North Indian Shelled Turtles, Rat Snakes, Russell’s Vipers, Saw-scaled Vipers, and the Indian Chameleon.
The Fish
Rajasthan due its numerous water bodies has a relatively large variety of fish to boast of. The commonly found species are: Bita (Labio Rohita), Catla (Catla), Greyei (Chhana matulion), Lanchi (Walago auto), Mahseer (Tor tor), Mirgal (Cirrchinus mrigala), Rohu (Labio rohita), Savan (Chhana punctatus), and Seenghara (Mystus seenghala).
NAME OF SPECIES |
NAME OF SPECIES |
|
THE LEOPARD OR PANTHER |
THE SLOTH BEAR |
|
SPOTTED DEER |
TIGER |
|
PANGOLIN |
SHOVELLER |
|
RATEL OR HONEY BADGER |
FOUR HORNED ANTELOPE |
|
THE FOX |
SAMBAR |
|
INDIAN GOLDEN JACKAL |
BARKING DEER |
|
THE INDIAN GREY WOLF |
BLACK BUCK |
|
STRIPED HYENA |
INDIAN ROCK PYTHON |
|
RUSTY SPOTTED CAT |
MARSH CROCODILE |
|
CARACAL (Caracal caracal) |
COMMON DOLPHIN |
|
NILGAI OR BLUE BULL |
INDIAN GIANT SQUIRREL |
|
JUNGLE CAT Felis chaus |
SMOOTH INDIAN OTTER |