Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 11 Biology Chapter 44 Biodiversity
RBSE Class 11 Biology Chapter 44 Multiple Choice Objective Questions
Question 1.
Book in which endangered wildlife is listed is
1. Green Data Book
2. Red Data Book
3. White Data Book
4. Blue Data Book
Question 2.
Hot spot of India is
1. Desert National Park
2. Keoladeo National Park
3. Tal Chhaper Sanctuayr
4. Western Ghat
Question 3.
Rajasthan State bird is
1. Teetar
2. Saras Croonch
3. Robin
4. Godawan
Question 4.
Where and when the “Project Tiger” was launched
1. UP, 1973
2. Rajasthan, 1970
3. Bengal, 1950
4. Manipur, 1977
Question 5.
Which of the following bird species migrate in Ghana National Park, Bharatpur and is included in Red Data Book as endangered species
1. Siberian crane
2. Black necked crane
3. Indian sone chiraiya (corey bustard bird)
4. Cheer Pheasant (Castreus)
Question 6.
At the Verge of extinction in Rajasthan
1. Latina
2. Neem
3. Parthenium
4. Gugal
Question 7.
Rajasthan State bird, State tree & State flower are
1. Godawan, Babul, Gulab
2. Teetar, Khejri, Rohida
3. Godawan, Khejri, Rohida
4. Godawan, Babul, Rohida
Question 8.
The botanical name of Khejri is
1. Tecomella undulata
2. Prospis cineraria
3. Prosopis specigera
4. Acaica arebica
Question 9.
Largest snake in the inhabiting Rajasthan
1. Cobra
2. Python
3. Dumuhi
4. Naga
Question 10.
Which is called as “Kalp Taru” of Rajasthan?
1. Prosopis
2. Tecomella
3. Butea
4. Ziziphus
Answers :
1. (2)
2. (4)
3. (4)
4. (1)
5. (1)
6. (4)
7. (3)
8. (2)
9. (2)
10. (1)
RBSE Class 11 Biology Chapter 44 Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
What are the Factors threatened biodiversity.
Answer :
Loss and fragmentation of natural habitats; Pollution; Over exploitation.
Question 2.
Write the names of three endangered species in Rajasthan.
Answer :
Tiger; Gugal; Wild Rose
Question 3.
Give significance of MABP?
Answer :
MABP was launched to establish biosphere reserves.
Question 4.
What far Tal Chapper sanctuary is famous?
Answer :
Dark bucks > Bee eaters, Harriers
Question 5.
From where the Siberian cranes migrate into Rajasthan?
Answer :
Siberia
Question 6.
Name the hot spots in India?
Answer :
Western Ghat and Eastern Himalaya
Question 7.
How much part of Rajasthan is covered with dense forest?
Answer :
9.3%
Question 8.
Which one is the state wild animal of Rajasthan?
Answer :
Chinkara
Question 9.
Name the Mountain ranges of Rajasthan.
Answer :
Aravali hills and Vindhyachal range
Question 10.
Name four insects found in Rajasthan.
Answer :
Cockroach, Wasp, Housefly, Mosquito
Question 11.
Write the herbivorous wild animals found in the forests of Rajasthan.
Answer :
Chinkara, Blue Cow, Deer, Sambhar
Question 12.
Which wild animal help to keep the forest clean?
Answer :
Jackal, Vulture
Question 13.
The odorous substance obtained from the flowers of Khejri.
Answer :
Patuletin
Question 14.
What is loom?
Answer :
Leaves of plant khejari
RBSE Class 11 Biology Chapter 44 Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Name the various parts of Rajasthan divided on the basis of geographical structure.
Answer :
- Desert Region
- Eastern plains
- Southern Region
- Mountain Region
Question 2.
Which sanctuaries are situated in the desert region?
Answer :
Wildlife Sanctuary –
- Tal Chhapar Sanctuary (Churn)
- Deserter National Park (Jasailmer)
Question 3.
Which birds and aquatic animals are found in the Eastern plains of Rajasthan?
Answer :
Birds : Stork, Spoonbill, Vulture, Eagle, Siberian crane, Saras (Gruidae), Warbler (Phylloscopus), Pipit (Anthus), Sandpiper (Scolopacidae), Flower bird etc.
Aquatic animals : Turtle, Frog, Leech, Snail, Water snake, Tomcat other etc.
Question 4.
Write a short note on State bird godawan.
Answer :
Godawan or Great Indian Bustard (Choriotiss nigriceps) is declared as Rajasthan state bird (1981). It is a critically endangered species and the number of godawas was 1500 in 1981, 250 in 2011. 40 in 2014 and only 13 in June, 2015. It is a large bird with long bare legs. It’s height is about one metre. The body is brownish with black patch spotted. It is omnivorous and it feeds on grass seeds, insects, berries, rodents, reptiles etc. Adult weight is 6 to 18 kg.
Question 5.
Why Khrjri is called as “Kalp tree” of Rajasthan?
Answer :
It plays vital role in preserving the ecosystem of arid and semi-arid areas. It is a symbol of socio-economic development. All the parts of this tree are useful. Hence, it is called as “Kalptaru”.
Question 6.
Give the Medicinal uses of some vegetations found in Rajasthan.
Answer :
Rhohida has got medicinal properties as well it is used in curing urinary disorders, enlargement of spleen, gonorrhoea, leucoderma, liver disease. Seeds are used against abscess.
The powdered seeds are used as vermicidal. The leaves relieve diabetes and lower blood sugar. The glucosides and butin of flowers are used to cure cough, eczema etc.
Question 7.
What do you mean by wildlife?
Answer :
All plants, fungi and other organisms that grow or live wild in an area without being introduced by humans.
Question 8.
What is biodiversity.?
Answer :
The various types of organisms i.e plants, animals and microorganisms in the different habitats on the Earth are collectively called as biodiversity.
Question 9.
What is hot spot? Name the hotspots of India?
Answer :
Norman Myers (1988) marked some places in the world as hot spots where –
- Number of wild life species is very high,
- More number of endemic species and
- Where wildlife species are threatened.
Myers (2000) pointed out 34 hot spots in the world, out of them two hot spots are found in India viz – Western ghat and Eastern Himalayas.
Question 10.
Write short notes on
(a) Red Data Book
(b) Endangered species
(c) Project tiger
(d) Threatening on biodiversity.
Answer :
(a) Red Data List given by IUCN includes endangered plant and animal species. It is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species. The red data list was first published in the first edition of “Red Data Book” in 1963.
(b) A species of animal or plant that is seriously at risk of extinction.
(c) Royal tiger (Panther tigies) was declared as National animal in 1972-73. For the conservation of Royal tiger, project tiger was started on April 1,1973 with the help of WWF (World Wildlife Fund).
Initially 9 project tigers were established which is now increased to 47 upto 2014. Out of them three project tiger are situated in “Rajasthan viz.-
(a) Ranthambore NP project tiger.
(b) Sariska NP project tiger.
(c) Mukendra hills project tiger. ,
(d) Loss and fragmentation of natural habitats, introduction of exotic species, over exploitation, pollution of soil, water and air, deforestation, agricultural extension are main reason threatening biodiversity.
RBSE Class 11 Biology Chapter 44 Essay Type Questions
Question 1.
Explain, why conservation of wildlife is essential.
Answer :
Wildlife is an integral part of our biosphere. Wildlife plays an important role in the structure and function (energy flow and mineral cycles) of an ecosystem.
Wildlife also facilitates tourism, recreation and safari etc. Every year from October 1 to 7, wildlife week is celebrated to make the public aware regarding conservation of wildlife and for public support.
There are two ways for the conservation of biodiversity viz –
(A) In situ conservation &
(B) Ex situ conservation
(A) In situ conservation – The plants and animals are conserved in their natural habitat Such as Biosphere, National park, Sanctuaries etc. Following types of reserves were made in India for conservation of threatened species –
- Biosphere reserves
- National parks
- Wildlife sanctuaries
In addition, for conservation of a specific species special projects are launched such as Tiger reserve, Ghariyal reserve, Elephant project, Project lion, Project musk deer, Wetland reserves, Mangrove reserves, Coral reef reserve, Project godawan etc.
(B) Ex situ conservation – In this technique, the plants and animals are conserve in artificial habitats instead of natural habitat such as botanical gardens, zoo, endemic gene bank, rescue centres etc. In addition, germplasm banks are developed to store germplasm of seeds, fruits, pollens, spores, ova etc) of the organisms.
Some of the efforts made by State and Central Govts for wildlife conservation are as follows –
- For conservation of wildlife, 515 Wildlife sanctuaries, 166 National parks and 733 protected area are established till 2016 in India.
- Wildlife conservation act (1972) was implemented.
- Encouraging of researches related to wildlife.
- Hunting of animals is banned and trading of plants and their products are subjected to conditions.
- Trading of wild animal products such as animal skin, skin of snakes, ivory, horn of Rhinoceros etc is declared as illegal.
Following efforts may be useful for the conservation of wildlife. Such as –
- Restriction on hunting
- Improvement in habitats
Question 2.
Write an essay on management of wildlife in India.
Answer :
Conservation of Biodiversity in India
Conservation aims at preserving our natural resources in such a manner that the present needs are fulfilled and the future needs are taken care of.
India has an ancient tradition of conserving biodiversity. Biodiversity (both flora and fauna) has traditionally been managed under single administrative organization within forest department of each state and union territory, with the advisory role of central government.
The Indian Forest Act, 1927; the wildlife Act, 1972 and the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 provided legal frame work to conservation wildlife. Subsequently, the National Forest Policy, 1988 led to significant growth of conservation efforts in the form of protected areas such as Biosphere reserves, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, Special projects.
Following the United Nations convention on Biodiversity at Rio in 1992, Biodiversity Act, 2002 and Biodiversity Rules, 2004 were introduced in India with some of the key objectives necessary for biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity Act, 2002 and biodiversity Rules, 2004 led to follow three organization –
- Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC)
- State Biodiversity Board (SBB)
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
Question 3.
Explain in detail the uses of biodiversity.
Answer :
Wildlife is directly or indirectly useful in many ways for human beings. They are the source of food, medicines, fibres, rubber, timber, fuel wood etc. It makes the nature healthy by balancing the ecosystem.
1. Source of Food and Improved varieties –
The biodiversity is useful for modern agriculture in following three ways –
- Source for new crops
- Material for the reproduction of improved varieties.
- Source for new biodegradable pesticides
Out of thousands of food yielding plants only 20% or less species are grown in the world to yield 85% of the food. Three main crops viz – Wheat, Maize and Rice provide food for 2/3 of human population.
The genes of wild species are used to improve the characters of domestic species such as disease resistant, cold resistant, more production etc. For example, a variety of rice found in Asia was made resistant to grassy stunt virus using the genes of one wild Indian species, Oryza nivara i.e Oryza nivara is a wild progenitor of the cultivated rice Oryza sativa.
2. Drugs and Medicines –
Many important drugs are derived from the plant and their products. About 25% of medicines used today in India are obtained from 120 species of plants but in the world thousands of plant species are used to get conventional medicines. The plants are used to synthesize many botanochemicals or phytochemicals.
For example Opium (Papaver somniferum – Morphine) as pain killer and recreational drug, Cinchona (Cinchona ledgeriana – Quinine) for malaria treatment; Taxus (Taxus baccata) cancer treatment: Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea digitoxin) for heart diseases: Mamala tree (Homalanthus nutans prostatin) for AIDS are some useful plants.
3. Aesthetic and Cultural Benefits –
Biodiversity plays an important role in ecotourism, bird watch, wild life and horticulture etc. We have linked biodiversity with the cultural and religious acts since ancient time. Such as Basil (Ocimum sanctum – Tulsi), Fig (Ficus religiosa-pipal) and Khejri
(Prosopus cineraria) etc are grown as religious symbol and are worshiped being sacred plants.
4. Balance of Ecosystem –
Biodiversity is essential for balancing and controlling of ecosystem.
The main roles of biodiversity in to maintain ecological balance, to control air composition, to control of environment of forests and oceans, natural control of pests, pollination of plants by insects and birds, conservation of water and soil etc.
Question 4.
List the endangered plants and animals in Rajasthan. Explain the role of community and government in the protection.
Answer :
Main Indian species and their habitat listed in Red Data Book
| SN | Scientific Name |
Common Name |
Conservation Status |
Habitat |
| (A) | Mammal’s | |||
| 1. | Macaca silenus |
Lion tailed Macaque | EN | Evergreen forest Western ghat |
| 2. | Presbytis geei |
Golden Langur |
EN | Western Assam |
| 3. | Platanista indi |
Blind Indian Dolphin |
VU | Ganges and Brahanputra rivers |
| 4. | Panthera leo |
Asiatic Lion |
EN | Gir NP |
| 5. | Panthera tigris |
Tiger | EN | All over India |
| 6. | Elephas maximus |
Indian Elephant |
EN | Himalayan lowland from UP to Meghalaya, Bihar, Orissa and 4 States of South |
| 7. | Equus hemionus khur |
Indian wild Ass | NT | Runn of kuchch |
| 8. | Cervus elephus hanglu |
Kashmir stag or Hangul | EN | Dachigam NP and J&K |
| (B) | Birds | |||
| 1. | Cairina scutulate |
White winged wood duck | EN | Eastern Assam & Arunachal Pradesh |
| 2. | Catreus wallichii | Cheer Pheasant |
VU | Kashmir, HP, Kumaon, Gerhwal |
Some endangered Plant species of India :
| Region | Botanical Name |
| (A) Andman & Nicobar Island | |
| 1. Ailanthus kurzii | Simaroubaceae (Angiosperm) |
| 2. Dipterocarpus kerrii | Diptecocarpaceae (Angiosperm |
| 3. Myristica andamanica | Myristicaceae (Angiosperm) |
| (B) Himalaya & Eastern India | |
| 1. Dioscorea deltoidea | Dioscoreaceae (Angiosperm) |
| 2. Drosera indica | Droseraceae (Angiosperm) |
| 3. Nepenthes khasiane (Pitcher plant) | Nepenthaceae (Angiosperm) |
| 4. Ranvolfia serpentina | Apocyanacea (Angiosperm) |
| 5. Vanila pilifera | Orchidaceae (Angiosperm) |
| (C) Indian Peninsula | |
| 1. Ceropegia fantastica | Apocyanacea (Angiosperm) |
| 2. Santalum album (Indian Sandalwood) | Santalaceae (Angiosperm) |
| (D) Rajasthan & Gujrat Region | |
| 1. Commiphora wightii (Gugal) | Burseraceae (Angiosperm) |
| 2: Rosa invohicrata (Wild Rose) | Rosaceae (Angiosperm) |
Question 5.
How many national parks are found in Rajasthan? Explain their importance.
Answer :
National Parks
The reserve natural area which is used to conserve wildlife and ecological system, IUCN and its work commission on protected areas has defined “National Park” as its category-II type of protected areas. They are established by central government but are managed and controlled by the state governments.
The number of National Parks in India is 166 (upto 2014) and 6 National Parks are situated in Rajasthan.
National Parks in Rajasthan :
- Ranthambore NP 1980
- Desert NP 1980
- Keoladeo NP (Ramsar Site) 1981
- Sariska NP 1982
- DarrahNP 2004
- Kumbhalgarh NP (Mukundra Hills) 2011
Some Main National Park in India :
- Jim Corbett NP (UK) 1935 – First Established NP in India as Hailay NP (1935)
- Ranthambor NP (RJ) 1980 – Smallest NP in India
- Gir Forest NP (GJ) – 1965
- DudhwaNP (UP) – 1977
- Kanha NP (MP) – 1955
- Kaziranga NP (AS) – 1974
- Periyar NP (KL) – 1982
- Simplipal NP (OR) – 1980
- Sunderbans NP (WB) – 1984
- Kanchanjunga NP (SK) – 1977
- Valley of Flowers NP (UK) – 1982
Question 6.
Give an account of main vegetation found in Rajasthan.
Answer :
Southern-East region of Aravali hills inhabits dry thorn forest having Anogeissus pendula (Dhokda), Boswelha serraia (Dhup or Salai guggul), Sterciiliaiirem (Kateera), Acacia leucophloea (Safed babul), Acacia catechu (Khair or Kathha), Ziziphus numnmlaria (Jharber), Euphorbia caducifolia (Thore) etc.
Other vegetations of this region are Aloe vein (Gwarpatha), Solatium virginianum (Kateli), Euphorbia prostrata (Dugdika), Echinops echinatus (Oont Kateli), Ziziphus zuzuba (Ber), Tamarix articulata (Farash), Butea monosperma (Dhak), Saccharum munja (moonj or sarkanda), Nerium indicum (Kaner), Acaciafarnesiana (Seet acacia), Prosopis cineraria (Khejari) etc.
1. Prosopis cinereria (Khejari Sangri) –
Government of Rajsthan declared this tree as State tree on October 31, 1983. It is also called as Janty or Loong tree or Shami or Khudo etc. It is found in all parts of Rajasthan and Abundantly found in desert regions of Western Rajasthan.
Various parts of this tree such as fruits, flowers, leaves, roots etc. have medicinal properties and popular by name Kalp Tarn of Rajasthan. The pods are sweet, sacculant and called as sangari They are used as vegetable in dried and green form. The flowers are mixed with sugar and used to prevent miscarriage. The leaves are called as Loom and are used as fodder for cattle’s. The flowering season is March and April and flowers are used to get odorous glycoside substance called patuletins. The smoke of leaves is good for eye troubles. The wood is used as fuel.
2. Tecomella undulata (Rohida flower tree) –
Rohida flower is the official state flower of Rajasthan. Rohida is found in Thar desert of Western Rajasthan. It produces quality timber which is popular as desert teak or marwar teak. Leaves are narrow and somewhat lance-shaped, wavy margin and 5-12 cm long.
During spring time, it produces beautiful showy tubular flowers in yellow, orange and red colours. The fruits are thin, somewhat curved and 8 inch long.
The wood is excellent for firewood and charcoal. Cattle and goats eat leaves of these trees. Camels, goats and sheeps consumer flowers and pods.
Rhoida has got medicinal properties as well. It is used in curing urinary disorders, enlargement of spleen, gonorrhoea, leucoderma, liver disease. Seeds are used against abscess.
3. Butea monosperma (Flame of the Forest) –
It is commonly called as Palash or Dhak or Tesu. It is medium. size tree (20 to 40 feet height) and trunk is usually crooked and twisted with irregular branches. The leaves are pinnate with three leaflets. The hindi phrase “Dhaak Ke Teen Paat” comes from the prominent three leaflets of this tree. From January to March, it becomes a tree of flames, a riot of orange and vermilion flowers covering the entire crown, as most of the leaves fall.
The flowers, leaves, gum and seeds are used for medicinal purposes. The flowers are rich in glucosides, butin, neteroside and butrin. The seeds are rich source of yellow coloured moodooga oil or Kino-tree oil which have many medicinal properties. The gum is rich in gallic acid and tannic acid, and popular as Butea gum.
The powdered seeds are used as vermicidal. The leaves relieve diabetes and lower blood sugar. The glucosides and butin of flowers are used to cure cough, eczema etc.
4. Acacia nilotica (Gum arabic tree) –
It is commonly called as Babul or Kikar. It is a woody tree from medium to large size. The pods and leaves are used as fodder. The wood is used to make furniture’s and tool handles.
Tender twigs of this plants are used as a toothbrush. The exudate gum of this tree is know as gum arabia which is used for medicines, dyes and paints.
5. Acacia leucophloea (White bark Acacia) –
It is commonly called as ronjh. It is large thorny tree attaining a height of 35m. The trunk is stout, having diameter 100 cm and divides into several wide branches. It has various uses such as seeds are edible, provide useful timber, tannins and gum.
6. Acacia senegel –
It is commonly called as Kher or Khor. It.is a small thorny deciduous tree. It is also a source of gum arabic, known locally as hashab gum. New foliage is very useful as forage. Dried seeds are used as food by humans and dried pods are one of the ingredient of popular “Panchkuta” in Rajasthan.
Surface Roots are quite useful in making strong ropes.
7. Ziziphus nummularia –
It is commonly called as Jharbera. It is a shrub up to 2 mt. high, having zigzag branching. Fruits are edible but not popular due to small size. It is a source of fuel and charcoal timber. The leaves are used to treat scabies and other diseases.
Question 7.
Write an essay on the wild animals of Rajasthan.
Answer :
Rajasthan harbours (inhabits) about 60 species of wild animals. Some of them are as follows—
1. Tiger (Panthera tigris) :
Bengal Royal tiger inhabits project tigers and in some wildlife sanctuaries. In 1972-73, Panthera tigris declared as National animal. Tiger is the largest cat species having dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur. It is an endagered species. It has powerful forelimbs, large head and long tail. Length of male is 250 to 390 cm and of female is 200 to 275 cm. The height of tiger is 2.3 to 4 feet. Adult tiger leads solitary life and may have a territory of 20 km². Tiger is able to see in night also and has strong power of olfaction. Tigers are mainly nocturnal predator and prefer to rest during day. The female tiger gives birth to 2 to 3 cubs at a time and the gestation period is of 95 to 105 days.
It is carnivorous and prefer to feeds on medium to large-sized animals such as sambar deer, chital, barasingha, wild boar etc.
2. Striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) :
It inhabits almost whole Rajasthan and also called as Jarakh or Lakadbagga. It is a near threatened species. It is primarily scavenger and rarely attack on humans, they are monogamous and both male and female assist one another in raising their cubs. It is nocturnal and return to its lair before Sunrise. Gestation period is of 90 days.
It’s length is 100 cm and length of the tail is 45 cm. Fore limbs are stout and longer and hind limbs are smaller and weak. The colour is dirty brownish grey have transverse and verticle stripes. It is a timid animal and hunts during night.
3. Chinkara (Gazella gazella) :
It is also called as ravine deer or Indian gazelle and it is Rajasthan state animal. It stands at 65 cm tall and weights about 23 kg. It has a reddish-buff summer coat and in winter white belly having throat fur. Both male and female have horns having length 25 to 30 cm. They lives in groups of 4 to 6 in arid plans and hills, deserts, dry scrub and light forests. They are fast runner.
It mates once in a year and male compete for access to females. It feeds on grass, wild plants, oak etc.
4. Blue cow or “Rose or Nilgai (Boselephus tragocamelus) :
It is the largest Asiatic antelope. It is a least concern species. It stands 1 to 1.5 meter at shoulder. Only male possess horns having length 15 to 25 cm.
It is herbivorous and diurnal. It can be tamed, appears to be timid but cautious. If alarmed, it fleeps up to 300 to 700 mts.
The fore legs are generally longer than hind legs. Females are light brown in colour & without horn. They are herbivores and prefer to feed grasses, herbs, woody plants. They move in herd and harm the crops i.e. trample crop fields. ‘
5. Ajgar (Python) :
It is the largest living snake and Anaconda is the largest python. The python is non-poisonous. It remain motionless in a camouflaged position and then strike suddenly at passing prey. The prey is killed by construction after an animal has been grasped to restrain it, the python quickly wraps a number of coils around it.
Their length ranges from 2 to 7 meters and weighing up to 200 kg. They are able to see in the night. Python occurs in a wide range of habitats including grasslands, swamps, marshes, rocky foothills, woodlands etc.
6. Birds :
Rajasthan harbors about 80 species of birds which include Godawan, Pintail, Saras, Peacock, Duck etc.
Godawan or Great Indian Bustard (Choriotiss nigriceps) is declared as Rajasthan state bird (1981). It is a critically endangered species and the number of godawas was 1500 in 1981, 250 in 2011. 40 in 2014 and only 13 in June, 2015. It is a large bird with long bare legs. It’s height is about one metre. The body is brownish with black patch spotted. It is omnivorous and it feeds on grass seeds, insects, berries, rodents, reptiles etc. Adult weight is 6 to 18 kg.
For the conservation of Godawan, Project Godawan was launched on July 9, 2013 at Sudasari (Jaisalmer) of Desert National Park.
Question 8.
In how many parts Rajasthan is divided on the basis of geographical structure? Explain any two parts.
Answer :
Rajasthan is divisible into two distinct parts because of Arawali hills. The Western part is semi-arid region and the Eastern part has some vegetation’s and low rainfall region.
Record forest area in Rajasthan is 9.3% of total geographical area out of it 3% area is covered by dense forest. There are 37% is reserved forest, 53% is protected forest and 10% is unclassified forest.
On the basis of geographical structure and ecosystem, Rajasthan state is divisible into four parts
1. Desert Region :
Rajasthan is the “desert state of India”. The Thar desert in Western Rajasthan is the biggest desert in India. It includes districts such as Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner & Jodphur. It has sand dunes which shift along with fast wind. It is very hot during summer. Days are hot and nights are cold. The average rainfall is less than 100 mm.
Fauna—Great Indian Burstard, Chinkara, Wild Ass, Blue cow, Black buck, Eagle, Vulture, Tailor bird, Demoiselle crane (kurja) and 23 species of Lizards.
Flora—Trees & shrubs such as Lasiurub hersuts (Sewan grass), Acacia nilotica (Babul), Oak tree (Quercus), Capparis spinosa (Karira or Kair), Ziziphus mauriteana (Ber or Indian plum), Calligonum polygonwides (Phog) etc.
Wildlife Sanctuary –
- Tal Chhapar Sanctuary (Churn)
- Deserter National Park (Jasailmer)
2. Eastern Plains :
It is the Eastern part of Aravalli hills range. This region is fertile being rich in rivers, ponds & canals.
Fauna—Python, Wild boar, Mangoose, Wild cat,
Fox, Porcupine, Hare, blue Cow, Jarakh (Striped Hyana), Siyar (Jackal), Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) etc.
Birds—Stork, Spoonbill, Vulture, Eagle, Siberian crane, Saras (Gruidae), Warbler (Phylloscopus),
Pipit (Anthus), Sandpiper (Scolopacidae), Flower bird etc.
Aquatic animals—Turtle, Frog, Leech, Snail, Water snake, Otter etc.
Flora—Babul (Acacia nulotika), Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), Kadamba (Anthocephalus cadamba), Mango (Mangifera indica), Catechu (kattha) (Acacia catechy), Pipal (Ficus religiosa), Banyan (Ficus benghalensis). Dhoy or Kardhai (Anogeisus pendida) etc.
Wildlife Sanctuary –
- Keoladev National Park, Bharatpur
- National Chambal Sanctuary, Kota,
- Van Vihar Sanctuary, Dhollpur,
- Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, Kota,
- Bandh Baretha Sanctuary, Bharatpur.