While one part of Rajasthan is dominated by the Thar Desert the other part flaunts the lofty peaks of the Aravallis and Vindhya ranges. The forests in Rajasthan mostly lie to the east of the Aravalli range. They comprise of about 9% of the total area. The vegetation in the desert region marjorly comprises of stunted trees, thorny shrubs and some grasses. The rest of the vegetation grows only during monsoon.
Khejri or
Prosopis cineraria is the
most widely found tree in the Rajasthan. It serves the purpose of both food
and fodder. Its bean shaped fruit, sangri, is used for both this purpose. Another fruit, Ker, is also eaten as a vegetable. Its tree is used as wood as well. The other prominent trees that grow on sandy soil are akaro and shrubs, the
thor, botdi babul, anwal, sewan, dhaman, boor and bhatut.Some of these grasses help in soil conservation as they bind the soil and can also be utilized as fodder for the cattle. Other plants that are part of the flora of Rajasthan are
bamboo, khejri, peepal, jamun, salar, ber and khajur or dates. The shrubs are more attention grabbing. They comprise of wild roses, ferns and orchids. Plants with medicinal values grow in the state of
Rajasthan. shatawari, guggal, thor, BRAHMI etc.
The fauna of Rajasthan is blessed with various species. They range from mammals and reptiles to colorful
birds. The common animals here are antelopes and
gazelles that include
Blackbuck and Chinkara.
Nilgai is commonly found in open plains and in the foothills of the Aravallis.
Chau Singha, another local, lives in the hilly regions. Besides these one may also come across
sambar, chital, rhesus macauqe, langur, jackal, wolf, Indian porcupine, desert fox, Indian gerbil, five-striped palm squirrel, desert gerbil, wild boar and a host of other wild While the tiger rules the land the crocodiles and ghariyals are the monarchs of the aquatic life. Other REPTILES include Indian python or ajgar, Indian chameleon and the garden lizard. Common mongoose and Indian mongoose are mostly found in dry arid zone.
From the world`s tallest black-necked stork to cranes, Indian bustard and grey partridge-Rajasthani bird sanctuaries are a treat to visit. Thus the flora and fauna of Rajasthan supports all kinds of animal species.
But the most important species adds a special dimension to the flora and fauns of Rajasthan is the cat family. The Indian tigers, leopards, panthers, jungle cat and caracal are found here. Amongst these some are endangered species and are kept in protection in National Park.
Rajasthan has four famous National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries namely, the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranthambore National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Desert National Park. Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary are known worldwide for their tiger population and considered by both wild lovers and photographers as the best places in India to spot tigers. Besides, it houses several small wildlife sanctuaries and eco-tourism parks (special area marked as wildlife reserves). Prominent among them are Mount Abu Sanctuary, Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary, Darrah Sanctuary, Jaisamand Sanctuary, Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, and Jawahar Sagar sanctuary to name a few with.
These national parks and sanctuaries are home to a variety of wildlife including some of the rare and endangered species. The wildlife here include Tigers, panthers, sambar, bison, Black bucks, Chinkara, the rare desert fox, antelopes, deer, wild boars, monitor lizards, the endangered caracal and the list goes on. Besides, they shelter a variety of exotic and colorful birds including migratory birds including rare Siberian cranes who flock to this region during winters. The Great Indian Bustard, a rare and nearly extinct bird, can be spotted in the rolling sand dunes and scrub and thorny vegetations around the highlands of the Desert National Park near Jaisalmer.
