In situ and ex situ conservation: Protected area network and zoos of Rajasthan

Abstract

The astonishingly diverse wildlife of Rajasthan and the varied ecological habitats of the desert, wetlands, and rivers have supported its proud people for centuries. Focusing on in situ conservation efforts in the state, an elaborate account of the large number of sanctuaries and national parks, most of which existed as the hunting reserves and private zoos of former kings has been aptly described in the chapter. At present, there are three national parks and 25 wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan covering 2.80% of the total geographical area of the state. Ranthambhore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve are known the world over for their tigers while Keoladeo National Park (KNP) and Sambhar Salt Lake are the two Ramsar Sites of Rajasthan. Keoladeo is a World Heritage site too. The state treasures three conservation reserves and one eco-sensitive zone. Besides, ten deer parks and seven medicinal plant conservation areas also exist in the state. KNP and Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuaries are the walled protected areas (PAs) to ensure better safety of the wildlife while the National Chambal Water Sanctuary is the only ravine system of Rajasthan. Extinction of tigers in Sariska Tiger Reserve during 2005 has been the biggest wakeup call in the country’s conservation history. The rapidly declining faunal diversity and other individual problems prevailing in most of the PAs reflect unsustainable development. Authors also highlight ex situ conservation and the ongoing breeding programs in the zoos of Rajasthan. The existing zoos of the state are not in a good condition except the Jaipur Zoo and shifting of them in their respective neighboring biological parks is currently being undertaken. This chapter also reveals the present status of zoos in Rajasthan and their role in conserving threatened fauna. Current status of the fauna, threats, issues, and future planning for the ecological recovery of the PAs are also discussed in this chapter.