Abstract
The Nara Game Reserve area having a number of wetlands and Nara Canal forms a Wetland Complex in the Nara Desert. More than 200 wetlands have been listed during the present study from 2007 – 2011. The area was surveyed particularly for the 22 important wetlands of the area to record their vertebrate biodiversity. 129 species of birds, 21 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles, 02 species of amphibians and 37 species of fishes were recorded from the Nara Game Reserve area. The important wildlife species of the area are the Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrina), Hog Deer (Axis porcinus), Black Partridge (Francolinus francolinus), Black Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa), Indian Darter (Anhinga rufa), Marbled Teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris), Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca), Grey Partridge (Francolinus pondicerianus), Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata), Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) and the Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). It was found that more than 16 wetlands support marsh Crocodile. The threats to the biodiversity include developmental activities, disturbance, livestock grazing, and land reclamation for agriculture and human settlements. The wetlands of the area may be managed for their ecological significance for supporting important biodiversity, and the Reserve may be specially managed for Hog Deer, Fishing Cat, Smooth-coated Otter and Marbled Teal. Action may also be taken to develop ecotourism in the area due to its unique wetland ecosystem.
