The hot, dry climate of Rajasthan, its
vast sandy areas, hilly tracts and numerous lakes, rivers and
waterbodies provide diverse habitat conditions suitable for a
number of species of reptiles which include crocodiles, snakes,
lizards and turtles. Two species of crocodiles, the marsh crocodile
and the gharial inhabit the rivers. The gharial
is a fish-eating crocodile and does not attack humans. Once
endangered, Rajasthan has contributed substantially in saving the
inoffensive gharial from extinction, with most of its
country-wide population hatched from eggs collected from the state’s
Chambal river. Of a total of 30 species of snakes found here, 26 are
non-poisonous. The four venomous snakes include the Indian cobra (Naja
naja), Indian krait (Bungarus caeruleus),
Russell’s viper (Vipera russelii) and Pud (Ecbis
caeruleus). Unless provoked or stepped upon, these snakes do
not attack humans. The common rock python (Python molurus)
is the biggest snake found in Rajasthan. Although pythons can be
found in a number of wildlife sanctuaries, the best place to spot
them during the winter months is at the Keoladeo national park,
Bharatpur.
Of
the 26 species of lizards found in Rajasthan, two are monitor
lizards- the Varanus bengalensis widely spread
throughout the state, and the Varanus griseus which
is confined to the western part o the state. Sanda or the spiny
tailed lizard lives only in the drier, western region of the state.
A shy vegetarian, it uses its spiny tail for defense against
enemies. Rajasthan has only one specie of land turtle, the star
turtle (Geocbelone elegans). Confined to the hilly
tracts of the Aravallies, it is threatened because of loss of
habitat. The remaining 11 species are acuatic, found in the
perennial waterbodies of eastern and southern Rajasthan. The Chambal
sanctuary on the eastern boundary of the state provides a suitable
habitat for highly endangered, freshwater or Gangetic
dolphins, as well as for gharials, crocodiles and a
number of species of turtles. The religious, cultural, social and
historical traditions of the people of the state have contributed a
good deal to saving its natural heritage. The ethics of conservation
are a part of the state’s fabric, nurtured by saints, philosophers
and religious gurus. Te desert community shards its scarce
resources of food and water willingly with wild animals. Food and
water is provided for birds and animals in many parts of India.
However, there is no parallel to the feeding of Demoiselle cranes in
Kheechan village near Phalodi in Jodhpur district. During
migration (September-March) thousands of Demoiselle cranes arrive
early in the morning and land in the village to be fed by the
villagers. Treated like guests and addressed as friends and
companions, they have found a place in the state’s folklore and folk
songs.
Communities like those of the Bishnois
provide protection to all wild animals in their villages because of
their religious faith and belief. The blackbuck and abinkara
are considered sacred and aggressively protected. Large herds of
these graceful antelopes roam freely in the Bishnoi fields in the
desert districts of the state. Even the powerful maharajas of
pre-independent India refrained from hunting on Bishnoi lands,
respecting the sentiments of these conservators. No hunter or
poacher is likely to attempt to hunt in these areas for fear of the
wrath of the entire community. Because of this, there are more wild
animals to b found in the non-forest areas than in the forest area.
The rulers of the erstwhile states contributed substantially to the
preservation of wildlife. Athough they themselves enjoyed
sbikar, at the same time they prevented others from the sport. Most
of the state’s wildlife sanctuaries and national parks were once
their exclusive shooting reserves. |