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Floral and Faunal Diversity of Aravalli’s with special reference to Sariska Tiger Reserve, Alwar, Rajasthan, India.
Dr. Mamta Sharma
Abstract:
Sariska Tiger Reserve is a Biodiversity Hotspot. Located within the Aravalli Range in Alwar, Rajasthan, Sariska Tiger Reserve is a prime example of the region's biodiversity. Established in 1955, it's a designated tiger reserve and a wildlife sanctuary. The reserve boasts a rich mosaic of habitats, including dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hills. This diversity supports a thriving population of tigers, leopards, sloth bears, chinkaras, and over 200 species of birds. The Aravalli Range, stretching across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Delhi, is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India, estimated to be over 700 million years old. Despite facing ecological challenges, the Aravalli’s boast a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. The Aravalli Hills exhibit a mosaic of vegetation types due to variations in rainfall, altitude, and soil composition. Here's a glimpse of the floral diversity: Dry Deciduous Forests: These are the dominant forest type, with trees like Anogeissus pendula (Dhok), Boswellia serrata (Salar), and Acacia catechu (Khair) being prominent. Scrublands: These drier areas consist of shrubs, grasses, and thorny bushes like Ziziphus mauritiana (Ber) and Capparis decidua (Kair). Riparian Forests: These forests occur along rivers and streams and are home to trees like Ficus religiosa (Peepal) and Syzygium cumini (Jamun). The rich plant life of the Aravallis provides food and shelter for a variety of fauna. The Aravalli Range is a vital habitat for numerous animals, including: Mammals: The majestic Bengal Tiger is the most iconic resident of Sariska Tiger Reserve. Other mammals include leopards, sloth bears, chinkaras, gazelles, and langurs. Birds: The Aravalli’s are a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 species documented. This includes raptors like eagles and owls, vultures, hornbills, and a variety of colourful songbirds. Snakes, lizards, and turtles are also part of the Aravalli fauna. The Aravalli ecosystem faces challenges like habitat loss due to deforestation and mining, overgrazing, and encroachment. Conservation efforts are underway to address these issues. These includes protected areas like National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves like Sariska play a crucial role in protecting wildlife. Afforestation programs are also going on like planting trees to restore lost forest cover and create corridors for wildlife movement. Community engagement includes raising awareness about the importance of conservation and involving local communities in conservation efforts. By protecting the Aravalli Range's unique flora and fauna, we ensure a healthy ecosystem that benefits wildlife and people alike.
