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Rajasthan Wildlife Sanctuaries
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. |
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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.
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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,
spiney 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.
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, blackbuck, 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. |
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The Aravallis 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
Abut Sacntuary : The highest point of Aravallis, 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. Ranthambhor National Park : This is the state’s most well-known
tiger reserve under Project Tiger.
Home of an ecpansive 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 Aravallis 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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