Abstract :
The study area falls under 3 districts of Rajasthan and 1 district of Hayrana State viz. Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Jaipur (Rajasthan) and Mahendragarh (Haryana). The major trees were Khejri (Prosopis cineraria), Babool (Acacia nilotica) and few shrubs of Bilayati baool (Prosopis juliflora) as dominant vegetation. Total 31 species of trees belong to 14 families are enumerated from the study area. Total 21 shrub species belong to 15 families are enumerated from the study area. The dominant shrub community in this area was represented by Prosopis juliflora, Calotropis procera, C. gigantea (Akoda), Kaner (Thevetia peruviana), Ipomoea fistulosa and Abutilon indicum, etc. Total 24 herbaceous species belongs to 13 family were recorded from the study area. Total 5 species of climbers/ twiners belongs to 3 families are recorded from the area. Among the enumerated flora in the study area, none of them were assigned any threat category by Red data book of Indian Plants. The most commonly spotted bird species of this area were Cattle Egret, Intermediate Egret, Red-wattled Lapwing, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Spotted Dove, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Bank Myna and Common Myna. The Indian Peafowl was observed which is listed as schedule –I as per IWPA, 1972 and others listed as schedule IV as per IWPA, 1972. The reptile, Common Garden Lizard, Common Indian Monitor, House Gecko and Fan-Throated Lizard, Rosebelly Worm-eating Snake and Himalayan Wolf Snake were observed; Indian Cobra and Russell’s viper were provided protection as per Schedule-II of Wild life Protection Act, (1972). Common Mongoose, Jackal and Monkey were observed which are protected under schedule II and Nilgai is Schedule-II animal as per Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Common Indian monitor is schedule-I as per Indian Wildlife Act and should be protected. Impact on wildlife due to mining activity is assessed along with mitigation measures.
Keyword :
Conservation; Impact Assessment; Shelter belt; Varanus bengalensis; Wildlife Protection.