The Great Indian Desert is characterized by harsh climatic conditions and different habitats, from grassland to abandoned human habitations. This book examines the regional climate and microclimatic regime of this desert and its diverse faunal inhabitants.

This is the first ever monumental and scientific documentation of the faunal wealth of the Indian Desert state of Rajasthan. This volume, the second of two, provides a comprehensive picture of the conservation efforts undertaken to prevent further degradation of the condition of Rajasthan’s faunal wealth. A scholarly contribution to the field of knowledge, it provides novel and vital information on wildlife preservation initiatives in India’s largest state. Broadly falling under the Indo-Malaya Ecozone, the three major biomes of Rajasthan include deserts and xeric shrublands, tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, and tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. The corresponding ecoregions to the above biomes are, respectively, the Thar Desert and northwestern thorn scrub forests, the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests, and the Upper Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests. Contrary to popular belief, the well-known Thar or Great Indian Desert occupies only a part of the state. Rajasthan is diagonally divided by the Aravalli mountain ranges into arid and semi-arid regions. The latter have a spectacular variety of highly diversified and unique yet fragile ecosystems comprising lush green fields, marshes, grasslands, rocky patches and hilly terrains, dense forests, the southern plateau, fresh water wetlands, and salt lakes. Apart from the floral richness, there is faunal abundance from fishes to mammals. In this volume, the various flagship and threatened species are described in the 20 chapters penned by top notch wildlife experts and academics. The world famous heronry, tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and some threat-ridden biodiversity-rich areas shall certainly draw the attention of readers from around the world.

The present book on the Biodiversity of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve deals with 539 species of higher plants and 361 species of animals (vertebrates). Besides geographical position and topography, the abiotic components, viz. geology, soils, water, climatic conditions etc., which determine the composition of biota in an ecosystem, have been discussed in details. Correct and valid names have been adopted for the floral and faunal elements along with local and English names. The keys have been provided for plant species from infra-specific to family level for easy identification. The short diagnostic description, phenology, ecology and distributional aspects have been provided under each plant species. Besides statistical analysis of floral composition, the phytogeographical and biological spectra have also been worked out to determine the routes of migration and phytoclimate respectively. Bioperspective value of the Reserve has been assessed to determine the economic potentiality and sustainable utilization of bioresources. The faunal diversity includes vertebrate fauna only, arranged in a classified manner. The shelter and feeding habits along with dependency of fauna on vegetation have been provided to determine plant-animal relationship and flow of energy. Details about endemic and threatened species of plants and animals, along with causes of threats, have been given for proper management of the Reserve. About 107 colour photographs of habitat and plants and animals with 36 illustrations of plant species have been provided. Several maps, pie charts, graphs, figures etc, along with data-tables, are appended to illustrate the findings. It is hoped that the book will prove a milestone in the management of the Reserve.

Agrob - incl. maps

This bibliography is a comprehensive compilation of the literature on ant systematics. Covering the period 1758 to 1995, it contains entries for approximately 8,000 publications on the taxonomy, evolution, and comparative biology of ants. Most of the literature citations have been carefully verified and precisely dated. An introductory chapter discusses the problems associated with dating a citation of taxonomic literature. A list of all serials cited (more than 1,300 titles) and their abbreviations accompanies the bibliography.