Major Threats to the Faunal Diversity of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan

Populations and diversity of major species of concern in the park has provided somewhat robust. Several species, especially antelope, chinkara and sambhar are at critical risk. Maintenance of biodiversity at the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is made difficult by a range of forces, including forest degradation, grazing, road accidents, forest fire and diseases. Considering these numerous pressures, influences and challenges, the major predator species, continue to exist. Some species, like langur and nilgai are thriving. These conclusions suggest that new management plans for the sanctuary be formed with specific attention to both ameliorating the impacts on the most vulnerable species, but also to capitalizing upon the relative success in protecting and maintaining other species of concern in recent decades. These efforts should be coupled with a more rigorous scientific agenda that can better untangle the relative influence of threats presented by ecogenic forces relative to anthropogenic ones (e.g. tree-cutting). Future research must also attend to the biocomplex influences of forces like fire and grazing, which have both positive and negative effects on faunal biodiversity. Kumbhalgarh represents a heavily impacted natural area, but it is one that might yet provide a model for conservation in India more generally through reform in both management and research.