Fauna in Rajasthan :

Even though Rajasthan has hostile terrain and conditions but has abode of a number of mammals and birds. Due to vast size and latitudinal variations above the sea level of 1,700m there is a varied vegetation. It provides semi green forests (Mount Abu) to dry grasslands of the desert). It also provides dry deciduous thorn forest (Aravali) to wetlands (Bharatpur). The Sanctuaries attracts herds of species from all over to their temporary habitat that provides comfortable subsistence. Rajasthan is also the habitat of tigers and many endangered species.

Tiger is the top carnivore of Aravalis, mainly found in Sariska, Ranthambore & Sawai Man Singh Sanctuaries in North – West Rajasthan. Leopard is the top carnivore in The Aravalis in South Rajasthan, which roams freely in the diverse habitat conditions.

The chinkara was the state animal of Rajasthan, before the camel took centre stage, but this Indian gazelle is still gorgeous. A glossy golden colour with horns as long as 40cm, it survives for long periods without water, and so not surprising that it inhabits the Thar Desert, as do the blackbuck antelop, and Indian wild ass.

 Important animals: Leopard, rhesus macaque, sloth bear, Indian civet cat, Indian porcupine, hyena, wild boar, wolf, jackal, hare, Black faced Monkey or The Hanuman Langur, Bluebull etc. 

Important Birds : The variety of birds inhabiting the sanctuary includes bulbul, Indian roller, woodpecker, grey hornbill, peafowl, barbet, shrikes etc. and many raptors.

Reptiles : 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.

Aquatic Animals in Rajasthan : 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.
Rajasthan due its numerous water bodies has a relatively large variety of fish to boast of. The commonly found species are: Bita (Labio Rohita), Catla (Catla), Greyei (Chhana matulion), Lanchi (Walago auto), Mahseer (Tor tor), Mirgal (Cirrchinus mrigala), Rohu (Labio rohita), Savan (Chhana punctatus), and Seenghara (Mystus seenghala).

        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.