Natural Vegetation of Rajasthan
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Rajasthan lies in the dry and semi-arid zones of India, with vegetation that ranges from tropical thorn forest in the west to dry deciduous forest in the Aravalli hills to subtropical broad-leaved forest in the wetter southeastern hills. Approximately 9.2% of Rajasthan’s area is under forest cover — well below the national average of 21%.
Key Facts for RPSC RAS:
- The Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor runs from Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur) through the Aravallis to the forests of Kumbhalgarh — one of India’s most important wildlife corridors.
- Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur) — formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important bird nesting and feeding grounds.
- Mount Abu has unique subtropical evergreen forest — a biogeographic island of diversity in the Aravalli.
- Prosopis juliflora ( locally called “devbhumi” or “baavl”) is an invasive species that has colonised large areas of Rajasthan, displacing native species.
- The Sacred Grove tradition of preserving patches of forest around temples (dev van) is an important traditional conservation practice in southern Rajasthan.
⚡ Exam tip: The classification of Rajasthan’s forests into tropical thorn, dry deciduous, and moist deciduous types, and the major wildlife sanctuaries, are high-yield topics.
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Classification of Vegetation
Rajasthan’s vegetation is classified into five main types, corresponding to the Major Vegetation Groups of India:
1. Tropical Thorn Forest (Xerophytic Scrub)
This is the predominant vegetation type of Rajasthan, covering most of the western and central parts of the state:
Location: Western Rajasthan (Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur), Aravalli foothills
Dominant species:
- Prosopis juliflora (baavl/mesquite) — highly invasive, now dominant in many areas
- Acacia senegal (kumta) — source of gum arabic
- Acacia nilotica (babul/babul) — common along dry riverbeds
- Ziziphus species (ber) — fruit-bearing shrub
- Salvadora persica (peelu) — salt-tolerant, used for toothbrushes
- Cenchrus ciliaris (anjan grass) — important fodder grass
Characteristics:
- Sparse, stunted vegetation (height: 3-8 metres)
- Thorny, small-leaved plants (xerophytic adaptations)
- Leaves shed during dry season (drought deciduous)
- Undergrowth: sparse grasses and herbs
2. Dry Deciduous Forest
Found in the Aravalli hills and parts of eastern Rajasthan:
Location: Udaipur, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kotra, Salumber (southern Aravalli)
Dominant species:
- Anogeissus pendula (dhok) — the dominant tree of the Aravalli
- Butea monosperma (palash/dhak — “flame of the forest”) — striking orange flowers
- Boswellia serrata (salai) — source of frankincense
- Hardwickia binata (kaimer) — valuable timber
- Acacia catechu (khair) — source of catechu (kattha)
- Scleichera oleosa (kusum) — oilseed tree
Characteristics:
- Semi-evergreen in wetter areas; predominantly dry deciduous
- Forest density increases with elevation
- Important watershed areas for rivers feeding eastern Rajasthan
3. Moist Deciduous Forest
Found in the south-eastern hills — the wettest part of Rajasthan:
Location: Jhalawar, Kota, Bundi (Vindhyan foothills), parts of Udaipur
Dominant species:
- Tectona grandis (teak) — the most valuable timber tree
- Boswellia serrata (salai)
- Madhuca indica (mahua) — flowers used for liquor and oil
- Syzygium cumini (jamun)
- Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) — found in the Bundi hills
Characteristics:
- Moderate to dense canopy (15-20 metres tall)
- Semi-evergreen in ravines
- High biodiversity — home to leopards, bears, and deer
4. Subtropical Evergreen Forest (Mount Abu)
Unique to the Mount Abu region of southwestern Rajasthan:
Location: Guru Shikhar and surrounding hills in Sirohi district
Dominant species:
- Olea ferruginea (Indian olive)
- Ficus species (fig trees) — many ancient sacred figs
- Pinus roxburghii (chir pine) — planted species
- Rhododendron species — showy pink flowers
- Euphorbia species
Characteristics:
- Biogeographically distinct — an “island” of Himalayan vegetation in Rajasthan
- St. Mary’s Falls — a misty area maintaining this unique ecosystem
- Home to endemic species not found elsewhere in Rajasthan
5. Grasslands and Savannahs
Found in plateau and plain areas across Rajasthan:
Location: Nakki lake area (Mount Abu), Shekhawati region, Bikaner grasslands
Dominant species:
- Saccharum species (sarkanda) — tall grasses
- Cenchrus species (anjan grass)
- Apluda mutica (bham)
- Desmostachya bipinnata (dabh/durva) — sacred grass
Characteristics:
- Open savannah-like landscape
- Grazing communities maintain these grasslands
- Important for biodiversity — home to the Great Indian Bustard in some areas
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Forest Cover Statistics and Distribution
Forest Cover Assessment (ISFR 2021):
| District | Forest Cover (sq km) | Percentage of Area |
|---|---|---|
| Udaipur | 3,298 | 18.4% |
| Kota | 1,032 | 9.6% |
| Sawai Madhopur | 1,167 | 18.1% |
| Rajsamand | 878 | 16.5% |
| Jhalawar | 1,044 | 13.8% |
| Bundi | 796 | 11.8% |
| Jaisalmer | 84 | 0.5% |
| Bikaner | 112 | 0.5% |
Note: Rajasthan has the lowest forest cover among major Indian states. The state’s forest policy aims to increase coverage to 33% (the national goal) through afforestation programmes.
Important Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks
Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur) — UNESCO World Heritage Site:
- Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
- Location: Bharatpur district, eastern Rajasthan
- Area: 29 sq km (of which 10 sq km is wetland)
- Signature species: Siberian Cranes (Critically Endangered) — arrive in winter; also pelicans, herons, egrets, cormorants
- Wetland type: Keoladeo is a natural freshwater marsh, historically a duck-hunting reserve of the Bharatpur kings
- Significance: One of the world’s most important nesting, breeding, and feeding grounds for water birds
- Winter migrants: Arrive from October to November; depart in February-March
- Vegetation: Dense woodlands (kadam, babul, ber), and marsh vegetation
Ranthambore National Park (Sawai Madhopur):
- Location: Sawai Madhopur district, southeastern Rajasthan
- Area: 1,334 sq km (including buffer)
- Signature species: Bengal Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, hyena, sambar deer, chital
- Vegetation: Dry deciduous forest — anogeissus, bajra kair, salai
- Famous tigers: T-84 (“Guddi” — the most photographed tiger of Ranthambore)
- Historical significance: Ranthambore Fort within the park — a UNESCO World Heritage nomination
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajsamand/Udaipur):
- Location: Part of the Aravalli range
- Area: 608 sq km
- Vegetation: Dry deciduous forest — dhok,极力
- Significance: Part of the Northern Aravalli Leopard Wildlife Corridor — connects Ranthambore to the Kumbhalgarh forests, allowing tigers and leopards to move between populations
Sariska Tiger Reserve (Alwar):
- Location: Alwar district, Aravalli range
- Area: 866 sq km
- History: Was the first tiger reserve to have its tigers wiped out by poachers (2004) — all tigers were killed or moved; the reserve was restocked with tigers from Ranthambore
- Vegetation: Dry deciduous — anogeissus, acacia
- Significance: Demonstrates both the threat of poaching and successful tiger reintroduction
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary (Sirohi):
- Location: Mount Abu hills, Sirohi district
- Area: 483 sq km
- Vegetation: Subtropical evergreen — unique in Rajasthan; Himalayan flora elements
- Endemic species: Several plant species found only on Mount Abu
Desert National Park (Jaisalmer):
- Location: Near Jaisalmer, Thar Desert
- Area: 3,162 sq km
- Signature species: Great Indian Bustard (Critically Endangered — only ~150 left in India), spiny-tailed lizard (Sanda)
- Vegetation: Sparse desert flora — salvadora, cenchrus
- Geology: Contains fossil evidence of prehistoric creatures
Mukundra Hill National Park (Kota):
- Location: Kota district
- Area: 200 sq km
- Signature species: Leopard, striped hyena, sloth bear
The Great Indian Bustard — Rajasthan’s Flagship Species
The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is Rajasthan and India’s most critically endangered bird:
- Status: Critically Endangered — only approximately 150 individuals remain in India
- Habitat: Arid grassland and desert — Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Barmer
- Threats: Power lines (collision), habitat loss, grazing pressure, predation
- Conservation efforts: The GIB recovery programme of the Rajasthan Forest Department — captive breeding, habitat protection, and power line undergrounding in Jaisalmer
Traditional Conservation — Sacred Groves (Dev Vans)
Sacred groves are patches of forest preserved around temples and shrines in southern Rajasthan (particularly in the tribal areas of Dungarpur, Banswara, and Udaipur):
- Concept: The forest is considered the abode of a local deity — no tree cutting, hunting, or grazing is permitted within the grove
- Biodiversity: These small patches (often 1-10 hectares) often contain plant species that are extinct elsewhere
- Examples: Kaniyan Bhagat in Udaipur, Todgarh Raoli wildlife sanctuary has sacred grove elements
- Significance: One of India’s oldest forms of community-based conservation — predating modern environmentalism by centuries
The Prosopis juliflora Invasion
Prosopis juliflora (commonly called “baavl” or “mesquite”) is a serious ecological problem:
- Origin: Native to Mexico and Central America; introduced to India in the 19th century for sand dune stabilisation
- Spread: Has colonised vast areas of Rajasthan — including canal banks, wastelands, and even agricultural fields
- Problems:
- Creates dense, impenetrable thickets
- Allelopathic effects — releases chemicals that inhibit other plant growth
- Consumes large amounts of groundwater
- Reduces grazing land and biodiversity
- Thorny — dangerous to humans and animals
- Uses: Firewood, charcoal, fodder (slightly toxic to cattle), soil stabiliser
- Control efforts: Mechanical removal, herbicide application, biological control with insects
Practice Questions for RPSC RAS
- Classify the natural vegetation of Rajasthan into its major types and explain the climatic conditions that determine each type.
- Describe the ecological significance of Keoladeo National Park. Why is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- What is the Great Indian Bustard and why is it critically endangered? What conservation measures are being taken?
- Explain the concept of sacred groves and their role in conservation in Rajasthan.
- Discuss the threat posed by Prosopis juliflora to Rajasthan’s ecosystem. How can it be controlled?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing tropical thorn forest with desert vegetation — tropical thorn is actually forest; desert has only scrub.
- Forgetting that Rajasthan’s southeastern corner is relatively humid and forested — it is easy to assume the whole state is desert.
- Not knowing the difference between Keoladeo (Bharatpur) and Ranthambore — both are near each other but very different ecosystems.
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