Wildlife Sanctuary

Location

Mount Abu is a unique ecosystem with the presence of rare, endangered and endemic flora and fauna. It was declared a wildlife Sanctuary in 1960. Being the only hill station between the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, more than 13 lakh tourists visit it per annum

The sanctuary comprises the oldest mountain ranges the Aravalis in Sirohi district of Rajasthan. The detached group of hills rise suddenly from the flat plain like a rocky island. The sanctuary is situated between 24°33' and 24°43' North latitude and 72°38' and 72°53'East longitude.

History

Topography

Mount Abu Is a major Hindu pilgrimage center. As the legend goes , a "Yanga" was performed here and four Agnikula (Fire Born ) Rajput clans- the Chauhans, Parmars , Prathiars and Solankis were created out of the fire . Mount Abu is mentioned in the Abu road Khand of the Skand Puran (a scared book of the Hindus). Mount Abu is also well known for the world - famous Delwara temples which are marvels in white marbles , constructed between 11 and 13 century AD . There are 84 places which are situated in dense forest area.

In shape this sanctuary is long and narrow but the top spreads out into a picturesque plateau which is about 19Km. in length and 5-8 Km. in breadth . Attitudinally it varies from 300m . at foot hill to 1722m. at Gurushikar , the highest peak of the Aravali ranges . The rocks are igneous and due to the weathering effect of wind and water , large cavities are common in the rocks . This feature is typical of Aravalis and particularly of Mt. Abu . toad Rock in Mount Abu is one such example.

Climate

The climate of Mount Abu varies greatly from the foot-hills to high altitude . it is hot and dry at the base while pleasant and moderate at the top for the greater part of the year . In the summer months generally a refreshing cool breeze blows , during the evenings and nights , making the plateau much cooler . Fog and drizzle are common during the monsoon and winter nights are quite server . the bulk of the rainfall is received during July-October from the SW-monsoon , averaging 1500mm. The maximum and minimum temperatures at plateau range from 35° c to -2° C.

Mount Abu has a very rich floral biodiversity starting with xeromorphic 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. Some endemic, rare and threatened plants viz. Dicliptera abuensis, Strobillanthes callosus, Ischaemum kingii, Convolvulus blatteri, Ceropegia odorata, and Hydrilla polysperma are found here. Some endangered species included in the Red Data Book of I.U.C.N. for example, Anogeissus sericea, Begonia tricocarpa, Crotalaria filipes, Indigofera constrata also exist here.

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 ferns, some of which are quite rare, have also been reported from here. The South -West part of the sanctuary is rich in bamboo forests. Naturally-growing edible fruits like Mango, Jamun, Karonda, Khajur, Kanti, Phalsa and several varieties of figs are -3.150 abundant here

The sanctuary is rich in herbal medicinal plants. About 81 species of trees: 89 species of shrubs, 28 species of climbers and 17 species of tuberous plants of medicinal importance have been identified. A herbal garden is being developed by thec Fore~ Department near Dilwara. Gurushikhar and Gaumukh areas are ric in medicinal plants. Malkangani, Akalkara, Salam-misri, Safe! Musli, Marorphali, Bhringraj, Brahmi, Amla, Bahera, Katkaran. Ketki, etc. are found here.

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, Ratel, Common Mongoose, India 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. 
            The presence of a great number of birds makes Mount Abu a paradise for bird watchers. More than 150 bird species have been recognised  by different bird- watchers from the sanctuary. Common birds of the area include Babblers, Barbets, Bee eaters, Cuckoos, Bulbuls, Buntings, Cormorants, Flowerpeckers, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Kestrels, Kites, Lapwings, Larks, Minivets, Munias, Mynas, Night Jars, Orioles, Owlets, Parakeets, Patridges, Pigeons, Quails, Flycatchers, Rollers, Shrikes, Tits, Vultures, Warblers, Robin, Rock chat Coot, Heron, Shikra, Sunbird, Tailorbird, Tree Pie, Waterhen, Peacoak, etc. Grey Jungle fowl and Red Spur fowl are also found abundantly in this sanctuary. 
     Among reptiles Python, Cobra, Rat Snake, Russel's Viper, Indian Krait, Keelback. Cat Snake and a few Water Snakes are found in the sanctuary. Other reptiles including Crocodile, Starred Tortoise, Indian Mud or Flap- shelled Turtle, Brooks Gecko, Rock Gecko, Common Garden Lizard, Monitor Lizard and Chameleon can also be seen.

The Sanctuary with its beautiful landscape provides and excellent opportun-ity to nature lovers to learn about nature. The area has more than 17Nature trails or pathways passing through the jungle as indicates on the map , view points , grasslands , water bodies , nallas , sunrise and sunset points . Some of the trials can also be used for purpose of horse safari. While trekking one can enjoy rock climbing , rappling , viewing of wildlife , bird watching and can study about floral wealth of Mount Abu and its tribal as well as Lok Rajput culture. The sanctuary is Trevor's Tank, Salgaon Watch  Tower, Craig's Point, Devangan Valley, Tiger Path, Kodra Dam, Gaumukh , Kulgarh Valley, Gabir Nalla and Sayabera, Achalgarh, etc.  The sancturary has tremendous scope for nature camps in the wild with due permission of the State Deptt. of Forests. the locations where camping is allowed are:
1. Trevor's tank Dilwara                                               7. Rishikesh Temple
2. Gaumukh Hanumanji                                                8. Chhipa Beri
3. Arna watch tower                                                      9. Kuda- mamaji
4. Salgaon watch tower                                               10. Vasthanji
5. Jawai village                                                              11. Utraj village
6. Agneshwar Ashram                                                  12. Bhrigu Ashram
Trained nature guides for Eco-tourism/ Trekking/ Horse Safari are available in Mt. Abu.

Some important Nature trails of the sanctuary are under:
1. Tiger Path                                                                     9. Gaumukh - Bagheri     
2. Craig's Path                                                                10. Gaumukh - Chandel
3. Beyley's walk                                                             11. Sirohi Kothi
4. Sunset Point - Sakora                                               12. Honeymoon Point
5. Trevor's Tank                                                             13. Achalgarh
6. Guru shikhar                                                               14. Utraj - Vasthanji Trail
7. Dilwara- Salgaon                                                       15. Mini Nakki - Anjani Mata
8. Arna - Chhipaberi                                                      16. Bridal Path