Wild ungulates in Rajasthan

Abstract

This chapter portrays Rajasthan as home to nine species of wild ungulates, including the four of antelopes and fi ve species of deer. Deer and antelopes are protected by the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 under Schedule I and Schedule III. Out of a total of six species of antelopes found in India, the four are present in Rajasthan, namely, Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus, Four-horned Antelope Tetracerus quadricornis, Indian Gazelle or Chinkara Gazella bennettii, and Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra. Distribution range and pattern of each species has been described in detail. The significance of these beautiful creatures as herbivores and the major prey base for wild carnivores has been highlighted in addition to their aesthetic value. Nilgai has come in confrontation with locals as crop pest in the recent years, whereas in some areas, Blackbuck also cause damage. Indian Gazelle, however, is in complete harmony with locals. The chapter also discusses the magni fi cent deer of the state which are distributed largely in protected areas of northeastern Rajasthan and the Aravallis. Sambar Rusa unicolor and Chital Axis axis are quite common in Rajasthan, while the Hog Deer Axis porcinus and Southern Red Muntjac or Barking Deer Muntiacus muntjak are confined to Keoladeo National Park. Mouse Deer are limited to only one district in southern Rajasthan. The need for further detailed study regarding their population estimates and conservation has been taken into consideration in this chapter.