Abstract
The Aravalli Range is the line of demarcation in Rajasthan between the rain-fed and the rain-shadow areas. Thus, ecological conditions differ strongly between these areas. The foothill region is not a continuous range of hills but, rather, these occur scattered in the area. The occurrence of small and large boulders, numerous passages, large forests, barren land, and rivers has resulted in very diverse types of habitats for different species of reptiles. The present paper is based on surveys carried out during the years 2001–2004 in the Aravalli foothills of Rajasthan (from Sirohi to Beawar). Reptile species occur throughout the foothill region but can differ in abundance from site to site. Some species are found in all areas, whereas others are confined to particular areas. There are small pockets in which several species live together. By contrast, other pockets are largely dominated by a particular species, better adapted to environmental conditions in specific areas. The per cent dominance of the various species and the richness of a given species were determined.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Campbell, H.W. and S.P. Christman 1982. Herpetological communities. Wildlife Research Rep. 13. USDI Fish and Wildlife Services. Pp. 193–200.
Henderson, P.A. 2003. Practical methods in ecology. Blackwell, Oxford.
Sharma, R.C. 2002. Fauna of India and adjacent countries—Reptilia (Sauria). Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. Pp. 1–430.
Sharma, R.C. and N.S. Rathore 2004. Reptilia. Conservation Area Series 19, Fauna of Desert National Park. Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. Pp. 111–117.
Tikader, B.K. and R.C. Sharma 1992. Hand Book Indian Lizards. Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.
Vogt, R.C. and R.L. Hine 1982. Evaluation of techniques for assessment of amphibian and reptile populations in Wisconsin. In: N.J. Scott Jr. (ed.) Herpetological communities. Wildlife Research Rep. 13. USDI Fish and Wildlife Services. 239 p.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Gaur, S. (2009). Species Richness and Dominance of Reptiles in the Aravalli Foothills of Rajasthan. In: Sivaperuman, C., Baqri, Q.H., Ramaswamy, G., Naseema, M. (eds) Faunal Ecology and Conservation of the Great Indian Desert. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-87409-6_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-87409-6_6
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-87408-9
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-87409-6
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)