The well-known Tal Chhapar blackbuck sanctuary in Rajasthan's Churu district has been protected from a state proposal to restrict the boundaries of its eco-sensitive zone.
The sanctuary, which covers an area of 7.19 square kilometers, is also a priority for the World Wildlife Fund for Nature's (WWF) raptor conservation project.
After taking notice of reports that the sanctuary's area was going to be diminished to three square km. under pressure from mine owners and stone crusher operators, the Rajasthan High Court acted through a suo motu public interest litigation to protect the sanctuary.
A "total prohibit" on any activities that'd limit the size of the wildlife sanctuary was just imposed by the court.
Approximately 4,000 blackbucks and other wild animals, over 40 varieties of raptors, and over 300 species of resident and migratory birds inhabit the sanctuary. The top of the food chain and population managers of microscopic mammals, birds, and reptiles as well as insects are the hawks, which include hunters and scavengers.
Following an increase in human population near the sanctuary and irrational and pervasive construction activities, a Division Bench at the High Court's primary hub in Jodhpur noted that some exotic species of animals did appear to have been torn down or moved to other locations, especially with regard for their survival.
The judge ordered the parties involved to simply enable the correct documentation to declare the area near Tal Chhapar to be an eco-sensitive zone.
Earlier, there were numerous desert foxes and other burrowing species in the refuge, and now raptors use the large concentrations of spiny-tailed tortoises, the only insectivorous lizard, as a base of operations for killing.
Hyperaridity, pasture pressure, the invasive shrub Prosopis juliflora, and nearby salt mines are some of the challenges the sanctuary is coping with. For the enormous number of blackbucks in the sanctuary, the space available is insufficient.
The decision reversed a September 30 ruling that would have renotified a 2.7 km long highway that runs through the sanctuary and ordered its denotification in view of the fact that a separate route previously existed next to the specified forest area.
The Range Forest Officer for Tal Chhapar, Umesh Bagotia, told The Hindu that efforts were being made to expand the raptors' prey base as well as the grassland for blackbucks in the sanctuary.
Here, some of the uncommon species of raptors have been seen. Many migratory birds pause here on their way to southern states, while others come here for the winter, according to Mr. Bagotia.
The WWF has started watching raptor species that are driven to Tal Chhapar in order to better comprehend their status and dispersion there.
As per Rinkita Gurav, manager of the raptor conservation programme at WWF-India, trying to keep track of the population trends, behaviour, and feeding habits of eagles would reveal if they were on the increase or dropping off.
It is essential to monitor them due to their presence in these particular habitats. Likewise, we will monitor how they interact with other animals. After comprehending them, WWF-India will offer insights, and if any dangers are seen, material will be shared with the Rajasthan Government's Forest Department, according to Ms. Gurav.
In addition, the forest authorities are looking into a strategy to expand the Jaswantgarh forest block in Nagaur district, which is really close to Tal Chhapar, in particular to accommodate the abundance of blackbucks that are confronting a lack of room and grazing resources.
The High Court has advised building a corridor for unlimited animal movement beneath the railway line that connects two areas.
© Vygr Media Private Limited 2022. All Rights Reserved.
