Feeding Ecology of Chinkara (Gazella Bennetti Sykes) in Desert National Park, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Chinkara (Gazella bennetti) is the state animal of Rajasthan and protected under the schedule- I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This is herbivore and mainly found in arid and semi-arid regions. Survival of the chinkara is depended on the natural vegetations those are found in its surrounding habitats. Chinkara feeds mainly on twigs, leaves, flowers and fruits of small trees, bushes, grasses and herbs etc. The study was conducted on the feeding ecology of chinkara in Desert National Park. Direct observation technique was used for taking observations. Seasonal variations were found in its feeding preference. During monsoon season chinkara mostly likes grasses and herbs whereas in summer it feeds upon leaves, twigs, flowers, fallen pods and fruits of bushes and trees. Maximum grazing activities were recorded in monsoon season whereas maximum browsing activities were recorded in summer season.