Rajasthan
31 Results
Flight of Hope: Saving Rajasthan's Chandlai Lake
At a distance of about two hours from Jaipur, Chandlai Lake hosts over 300 species of birds. Many compare its riches to Bharatpur, Rajasthan's most biodiverse wetland. However, new developments are threatening the habitat. Can local citizens and birders save the lake?
Video
Looking for Eyeshine: A Tiny Wildcat and its Neighbours in Jawai
The search for the elusive rusty-spotted cat amidst the rocky hillocks of Jawai, Rajasthan, unveils numerous other secrets of this magical landscape
Habitat
Leopards in Udaipur: Struggle of a Predator
As large areas of ecologically sensitive forest are destroyed for highways, factories, and mining, the leopard comes into increased conflict with humans
Conservation
Orans of Rajasthan: A Sacred Oasis at the Cusp of Change
Deg Rai Mata Oran is one of Rajasthan's largest sacred groves. A local guardian tells us how the lives of oran’s people and its biodiversity are intrinsically linked and why the new changes could be detrimental to this sacred oasis
Video
Not Just Desert: The Wild, Varied Habitats of Rajasthan
A mosaic of habitats rich in diversity make up India’s largest state. While the Thar is the more familiar part of its landscape, it also has grasslands, wetlands, and hills
Photo Story
Home Affairs: The Great Crested Grebes Build a Nest
Every winter morning, Rajasthan's Menar lake teems with thousands of migratory guests. But today, there’s a new development in the neighbourhood. A pair of great crested grebes have just turned proud parents
Video
Saving Cranes: Why We Need to Protect These Tall Wading Birds
From five species of cranes, we’re down to four. The survival of these charismatic species requires community involvement and wetland protection
Photo Story
Painting a Canvas: Vijay Dhasmana, The Rewilder
Conservator of degraded landscapes, this self-taught ecologist is at the forefront of reviving wrecked habitats in north India
Hero
Poo to Woo: How Blackbucks Use Their Dung to Attract Mates
Blackbuck males know how to win a mate’s heart — with proud piles of prodigious poop
Column
All in a Day’s Work: A Ringside View of Kumbhalgarh’s Wildlife
Bhera Ram Bishnoi shares a forest guard’s-eye view of the rich and varied wildlife of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, a unique refuge in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Hills
Photo Story
The Guide: The Twin Sanctuaries of Kumbhalgarh and Todgarh-Raoli
Though off the beaten track, these sanctuaries in Rajasthan are rich in wildlife sightings. Expect to see a variety of creatures from leopards to crocodiles, raptors to waterbirds
Habitat
Musa Khan: Birding Star of Desert National Park
A few years ago, Musa Khan could barely identify five birds. Today, renowned wildlife photographers and ornithologists depend on his expertise
Hero
Eye on the Tiger: Memories of Photographing the Wild Cat
Eight wildlife photographers talk about their most memorable tiger photographs from India’s forests
Photo Story
Myth and Reality in Rajasthan’s Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary
Walking through this tropical dry deciduous forest sanctuary feels like a wilderness pilgrimage
Habitat
Demoiselle Cranes: High-Flying Damsels
With deep orange eyes, long, luscious neck feathers, and slender legs, the demoiselle crane looks like it is dressed for an elegant party
Species
The Ecotone: The Todgarh-Raoli and Kumbhalgarh Sanctuaries of Rajasthan
Between the hilly forests of the Aravallis and the arid Thar desert, two little-known wildlife sanctuaries harbour a wide variety of flora and fauna
Habitat
White-naped Tit: Whistler in the Bush
Partial to thorny scrub forests in the western and southern parts of the country, this rare bird is slowly losing its preferred habitat
Species
Poaching Increases During Covid-19 Lockdown in Rajasthan
More than 3O cases of killing of animals, including chinkara (Indian gazelle) and India’s national bird peacock, have been recorded during the lockdown, say Rajasthan’s forest department officials and activists
News
Indian Desert Fox: Facts, Diet, Habitat
All you need to know about this clever canid
Infographic
White-Browed Bushchat: Facts, Habitat, Threats
All you need to know about this enigmatic desert dancer
Infographic
Greater Hoopoe-Lark: Facts, Call, Habitat
All you need to know about this trickster of the desert
Infographic
Great Indian Bustard’s Life on the Edge
Royalty of grasslands and scrublands, the majestic great Indian Bustard once flew across 11 states of the country. But today, fewer than 15O survive in the wild, with Rajasthan being one of its last bastions
Video
Bishnois: Guardians of the Chinkaras
Meet the graceful chinkara that springs across the Thar. Also, meet its guardian angels — the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan, who watch over everything that thrives in the hot desert
Video
Chinkara Poaching Racket Uncovered in Rajasthan
The four accused are suspected to have killed hundreds of chinkaras, the state animal, over almost a decade
News
Sun and Sand: Spiny-Tailed Lizard’s Day Out
The sun is up in the Thar desert, and cold-blooded spiny-tailed lizards need to step out of their burrow to warm up. But hungry predators lurk just around the corner. Will the alert spiny get away?
Video
Raiders of the Anthill: Sloth Bears of Kumbhalgarh
A sweet tooth and a penchant for ants and termites occasionally take the sloth bear beyond the boundaries of Rajasthan’s wildlife sanctuaries
Species
On the Edge: Saga of the Great Indian Bustard
Less than 15O individuals survive in the wild, but despite several conservation efforts, their troubles are far from over. Will the great Indian bustard become the modern-day dodo?
Conservation
Desert National Park: The Abundant Life of the Sand and Scrubs
The Desert National Park is anything but deserted. Look closely, and you will spot gazelles, sandgrouses, foxes, snakes, and if you are lucky, the charismatic, critically endangered great Indian bustard
Habitat
Petite but Deadly: Secrets of the Saw-scaled Viper
A relatively tiny snake with extremely potent venom and the ability to make loud, raspy warning sounds, make this one of the most enigmatic of the big four dangerous snakes of India
Species
Great Indian Bustard: Facts, Habitat, and Protection Status
Everything you need to know about this critically endangered bird of the grasslands
Infographic
Chinkara: The Dainty Desert Ballerina
With soft, expressive eyes, a glossy, tan coat and a slender body, the graceful chinkara is soothing sight in the hot, harsh desert
Species