Published Paper Details:

Abstract The studies of faunal diversity in Tal Chhapar wildlife sanctuary were undertaken from May 2013 to June 2016. During the study 82 species belonging to 42 families of insects, 65 species belonging to 31 families of birds, 9 species belonging to 6 families of reptiles and 14 species belonging to 10 families of mammals were identified in the Tal Chhapar sanctuary and surrounding area. The antelope species Black buck, Antelope cervicapra is very common and abundant in the area, whereas other mammalian species are occasionally seen. The reptile species were mostly seen during the summer and rainy seasons. The results indicates that insects and Aves diversity are enough here but other faunal species of mammals, reptiles are moderate. Blackbuck, Uromastix and Demoiselle Crane are found in large number and these species along with other desert adapted mammals and birds exhibits a vivid and spectacular biodiversity which attract to visitors here. Insect diversity reveals that Lepidopteran and Coleopteran species are abundant and dominant in this area. According to the avian diversity index, the Accipitridae were the dominant family in the study area, followed by the Columbidae, Alaudidae, and Phasianidae. There were 52 resident species, 4 winter visitors, and remaining are occasional and migratory species surviving here. Five Accipitridae species are listed as endangered Vultures (Gyps bengalensis and Neophron Pecopteris) and a few other bird species are among those at risk. The study provides basic information on faunal diversity in the Tal Chhapar wildlife sanctuary of Churu district in Thar Desert.