How is the vegetation and wildlife in Thar Desert?

Spanning two countries and spread over 2,00,000 sq.km., it is no surprise that Thar Desert is one of the largest deserts in the world. While easily much more than three-fourths of the desert spans four States in India – Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana.

However, despite its dry conditions and low rainfall, it hosts a large number of people, and a variety of flora and fauna. In fact, it is said that about 40% of the people in Rajasthan call the region home. The scrub, water-resistant trees and sparse grasslands support a variety of fauna.

Wildlife

At least 300 species of resident and migratory birds can be found here. Among them are the critically endangered great Indian bustard and lesser florican. Raptors include critically endangered red-headed vulture, white-rumped vulture and Indian vulture. Blackbuck, chinkara, Indian wild ass, desert fox, sloth bear, wild cat, several species of reptiles such as snakes and lizards, and insects such as beetles too can be spotted here.

Desertification

Desertification refers to the gradual degradation of dryland ecosystems caused due to soil and vegetation loss, resulting in more areas turning into dry regions. This happens due to continuous human activity such as agriculture, overgrazing, deforestation etc., and change in climate. This phenomenon is being observed globally, and it is no different in Thar Desert. A changing landscape with diminishing vegetation affects the various birds and animals too dependent on the region for survival. The Central Arid Zone Research Institute studied various aspects of desertification, including wind erosion/deposition, vegetation degradation etc. in the Thar Desert, especially in Rajasthan. The report released by the Institute in 2019 said that the damage is so severe that it could take a long while for the landscape to recover.

Two sides to locust attack

The Thar Desert was in the news a few months ago for locust invasion in the region. Considered one of the worst in decades, the attacks were reported from a few other neigbouring regions too, and the locusts made short work of the crop farmers had raised over several acres. The farmers were advised to spray pesticides on the crops to keep these hungry locusts at bay. This was of concern because while the insecticide killed the locusts, it could harm birds and other creatures eating locusts that die thus.

Meanwhile, it was lucky time for birds and animals that could feast on locusts while they were still alive and untouched by the pesticide. Locusts are said to be rich in protein. Apparently, several creatures in the wild – from the great Indian bustard to lizards, foxes, desert cats, jackals and wolves 0 had hearty and nutritious meals, thanks to the invasion. In fact, it is said that the insects helped increase reproduction rates in the bustards under the captive breeding programme.

 

Picture Credit : Google