Rajasthan the most
colorful region in India. Rajasthan is where all the countrys
similes and metaphors appear to have come together to create a visual
extravaganza. Majestic palaces and rugged forts, spectacular deserts,
wooded hills and tranquil lakes, bustling towns and quiet villages,
amazing flora and fauna and of course, the colorful and vibrant people
of Rajasthan form an intricate tapestry of mysticism, grandeur and
rusticity.
The
sanctuary comprises the oldest mountain ranges - The Aravali. It was declared
as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1960. Apart from having several sightseeing places
this sanctuary is a draw for nature lovers as it has great potential for Eco-tourism,
In shape this sanctuary is long and narrow but the top spreads out into a picturesque
plateau which is about 19 km. is length and 5-8 km. in breadth.
Attitudinally it varies from 300m. at the foot Mil to 1722m. at Gurashikhar,
the highest peak of the Aravali Ranges. The rocks are igneous and due the weathering
effect of wind and water, large cavities are common the rocks. This feature
is typical of Aravali and particularly of Mt. Abu. Toad Rock in Mount Abu is
one such example.
Mount Abu has a very rich floral biodiversity starting with xenomorphic subtropical
thorn forest at the foot hills to subtropical evergreen forest along water courses
and valleys at higher altitudes. These forests consist of 112 plant families
with 449 genera and 820 species.
Of these, 663 species are dicots while 157 species are monocots. Mount Abu is
the only place in Rajasthan where one can observe a variety of orchids. The
place is also rich in bryophytes and algae. Three species of wild roses and
16 species of feras some of which are quite rare have also been reported from
here. The South- West part of the Sanctuary is rich in bamboo forests.
The sanctuary is rich in herbal medicinal plants also. About 81 species of tree,
89 species of shrubs, 28 species of climbers and 17 species of tuberous plants
of medicinal importance have been identified.
A variety of fauna Including highly rare, threatened and endangered species
are found in this sanctuary. The past history of Mount Abu indicates the presence
of Lion (last recorded in 1872) and Tiger (last reported in 1970). Presently
the Panther is the apex predator.
Other animals found here are Sambhar, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Wolf,
Hyaena, Jackal, Indian Fox, Common Langoor, Wild Boar, Pangolin, Rate!, Common
Mongoose, Indian Hare, Porcupine, Hedgehog, etc. The sanctuary provides an ideal
habitat for Sloth Bear, The population of Sloth Bear is increasing regularly
as it can be seen while going through the forests or motoring on the road.
Mount Abu Sanctuary, Wildlife Sanctuaries
in Rajasthan Reservation Form
Mount Abu Sanctuary, Wildlife Sanctuaries
in Rajasthan Reservation Form