Threats to faunal diversity of the aravalli hills with special reference to Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary

Abstract

This chapter describes the Aravallis as a reserve for threatened and endangered faunal species. Most of the protected areas in the state, namely, Sariska Tiger Reserve and wildlife sanctuaries like Kumbhalgarh, Mount Abu, Sitamata, Sundhamata, Sajjangarh, Raoli-Tatgarh, Jaisamand, and Phulwari Ki Nal, lie adjacent to the Aravalli Ranges. The wildlife of the Aravallis includes Leopard Panthera pardus, Striped Hyaena Hyaena hyaena, Indian Wolf Canis lupus, Golden Jackal Canis aureus, Hanuman Langur S emnopithecus entellus, Four-horned Antelope Tetracerus quadricornis, Chinkara Gazella bennettii, Indian Crested Porcupine Hystrix indica, Sambar Cervus unicolor, Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus, Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus, Toddy Cat or Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, Jungle Cat Felis chaus, Bengal Fox Vulpes bengalensis, Crocodile Crocodylus palustris, and Indian Rock Python Python molurus. An intensive research of many years by the authors has revealed several unacknowledged key issues central to the future of faunal biodiversity in the region. This chapter presents the habitat condition of the study area, population trends, and the major threats to the fauna while pointing out toward the importance and emergence of new adaptations in the faunal populations and harmonious human-animal interaction.