Unfurling Conservation Strategies, Major Initiatives, and Gaps in Research: A Vision on the Future of the Fauna of Rajasthan under Current and Predicted Threats

Abstract

This concluding chapter pertains to the conservation efforts being undertaken in Rajasthan at various levels while stressing upon the dire need for filling research gaps in the light of the fast-changing climatic conditions in Rajasthan and their ill effects on the biodiversity. Rajasthan is currently under the strong clutches of desertification due to the world climate crisis, although it has been felt that the Thar Desert was more arid half a century ago but due to IGNP and plantation, its climate has moderated to an extent. An already existing xeric ecosystem, fast pace of urbanization, excessive and unchecked mining, oil and natural gas excavations, and nuclear tests have further altered the situation. In fact, the Indira Gandhi Irrigation Canal Project, popularly known as IGNP, has completely changed the landscape in some regions of the Thar Desert, causing grave changes particularly in the land use patterns. Fauna from the rest of Rajasthan is dwindling in population due to habitat loss, hunting, and habitat fragmentation, resulting in the decline in number of some rare species. It is high time to conduct intensive surveys in order to monitor the altered land-use patterns and assess the status of threatened species in various geographical regions of the state and adopt a concrete conservation planning. Likewise, the reintroduction of tiger at Sariska Tiger Reserve in the Aravallis, establishment of Siberian Crane breeding center at Keoladeo National Park (KNP), protection of grasslands and the state bird Great Indian Bustard, revival of Sambhar Salt lake, conservation planning for the protection of avian diversity, Gharial and Mugger and Ganges River Dolphin at Chambal Riverine system, improvement in the conditions of zoos, wildlife trade, and rapidly declining population of common birds like the house sparrow and crow in urban areas are the issues, based on which new researches and strategies should be planned with multiple approaches. Introduction of innovative forest management technologies, biotechnology, winning economic fronts by making ecotourism more attractive, and rehabilitation of hunting tribes are some other areas which require planning and political will. This chapter also aims at creating awareness about biodiversity conservation in addition to presenting a future picture of the existing fauna of Rajasthan under current and predicted threats. It would also encourage researchers in their transition from “lab to field” and, thus, in adopting the right approach toward conservation of our faunal heritage