Rajasthan
is a haven 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. And each
of these areas houses a large variety of animal
and bird life. Some of them rare while some endangered.
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 sand grouse,
falcons, buzzards flocks to this state during
the winter months. Typical areas representing
each of the ecosystems have been earmarked as
special areas 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.
Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary
A fairly new sanctuary, it was established in
1983 and covers a total area of 229 sq km of scrub
and dry deciduous forest. Leopards, chinkara,
sloth bear can be spotted here if one is lucky.
The best time to visit is between October and
May.
Darrah Sanctuary
Previously the hunting ground of the Kota maharajas,
this sanctuary was established in 1955 and covers
an area of 266 sq km. This hilly sanctuary with
its thick forests is worth a visit. The animals
here include wolf, sloth bear, chinkara and leopard.
The best time to visit is between February and
May.
Desert National Sanctuary
Established in 1980, it is colossal park sprawling
on 3162 sq km. It has shrubs and trees in addition
to rolling sand dunes. The wildlife wealth here
comprises fox, desert cat, hare, spinney tail
uromastix and sand fish. Thousands of sparrows,
imperial sand grouse, bustards, falcons and eagles
migrate here during the winter. Best time to visit
is September to March.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
The lake and forested hills of this reserve, 32
km from Bikaner on the Jaisalmer road, are inhabited
by wildfowl, hares , wild boar, desert foxes and
a number of deer and antelopes including black
bucks and blue bulls. The lake at Gajner attracts
water birds in thousands. Imperial sand house
migrate here in winter. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary,
houses the former Hunting lodge of Bikaner and
has a beautiful lake surrounded by a dense forest.
Jaisamand Sanctuary
Established in 1957,this sanctuary is located
beside the man-made lake of the same name. Covering
a total area of 160 sq km, it harbours sloth bear,
leopard, chital, chinkara, wild boar and a number
of birds. Some crocodiles and fish can also be
spotted here. Best time to visit is between November
and January.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur
Declared a National Park in 1983, this 29 sq km
park is one of the world's greatest heronries.
Its shallow, fresh water marsh attracts thousands
of migratory birds. Over 10,000 nests of egrets,
darters, cormorants, grey herons and storks hatch
nearly 20,000 to 30,000 chicks every year. There
is an infinite variety of migratory birds. Mammals
like the sambhar, black buck, chital, nilgai,
fishing cat, otter and mongoose also roam freely
here. Best time to visit is August to February.
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary
The majestic fort of Kumbhalgarh overlooks the
578 sq km sanctuary. The Aravalis hills, which
remain barren for most of the year, turn green
rains and provide shelter to sloth bear, leopard,
flying squirrel. It is also the only sanctuary
where the Indian wolf is breeding successfully.
Best time to visit is March to May and September
to November.
Mount Abu Sanctuary
The highest point of Aravalis, the Guru Shikhar,
lies in this 289 sq km sanctuary. Established
in 1960, this provides shelter to the common langaur,
wild boar, sambhar and leopard.. The grey jungle
fowl can also be spotted here. Besides, a number
of flowering threes enhance the beauty of this
place.
Ranthambore National Park
This is the state's most well-known tiger reserve
under Project Tiger. Home of an expansive variety
of other animals in is 392 sq km area, one
can spot sambhar, cheetal, wild boar, leopard,
sloth bear, jackal, hyena among others. Artificial
lakes, dense forests and the shield of the Aravalis
have helped to make this park very impressive
and interesting. Best time to visit is October
to April.
Sariska Tiger Reserve
The other tiger land in Rajasthan which was brought
under Project Tiger in 1979. Other than leopard,
sambhar, nilgai, wild dog, and chinkara, the ruins
of 9th and 10th century temples exist here. Best
time to visit is November to June.
Other sanctuaries include Sitamata, Darrah, Chambal,
Tal Chapper, Jamwa Ramgarh, Kaila Devi, Van Vihar,
Ramgarh, Shergarh, Todgarh-Rad and Jawahar Sagar.
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