Desert Flora and Fauna

Flora & Fauna of the Thar

The landscape around Arna-Jharna forms part of the Thar bioregion — an arid zone shaped by sandy soil, rocky strata, intense sunlight and scarce water. Though often described as harsh, the desert is a place of remarkable adaptation. Life here survives through balance, timing, and a deep relationship with the land.

A Landscape of Resilience

The soils of this region vary widely in depth and fertility, with limited rainfall and saline groundwater. Yet, during the short monsoon, the brown and green expanse transforms. Grasses, shrubs and trees come alive with brief bursts of colour — white, pink, orange, red and yellow flowers that mark the seasonal rhythm of the Northwestern thorn scrub forest.

Plants of the Arid Zone

Desert vegetation has evolved a range of xerophytic adaptations to withstand heat, wind and water scarcity.
 These include:

  • small or reduced leaves
  • fine leaf hair
  • waxy coatings
  • thorns and spines
  • deep or wide-spreading roots

Common species such as khejri, kumatiyo, ber and googal are central to local food systems, fodder cycles and cultural practices. Succulents and cactus store water in their tissues and sustain both insects and birds during dry months.

Animals of the Desert

The fauna of the Thar is equally adapted to extremes. Out of roughly 68 species recorded in the region, many are protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act.

  • Predators like desert cats feed on rodents, lizards and hares.
  • Chinkara sightings are common around grassland patches and museum surroundings.
  • Thorny shrubs and perennial grasses serve as grazing grounds for livestock raised by pastoral communities.

Birdlife: The Desert’s Voices

The Thar is home to over 140 species of resident and migratory birds, making it one of the most vibrant arid bird habitats in India.
 Notable species include:

  • Great Indian Bustard – critically endangered, the grasslands of the Thar are among its last strongholds.
  • McQueen’s Bustard and Lesser Florican – vulnerable and rarely seen.
  • Raptors, larks, finches, wheatears and tits.
  • Sandgrouse and coursers that blend into the landscape.

At dusk, the calls of the Indian peafowl, lapwing (tidodi), collared dove (kamedi), partridges (titar) and sparrows create the familiar soundscape of the region.

Communities & Conservation

The Bishnoi community has long practiced a form of environmental stewardship rooted in spiritual belief — protecting trees, wildlife and water sources as part of everyday life. The story of Amrita Devi Bishnoi, who sacrificed her life for the khejri tree, remains a powerful reminder of this commitment.

Pastoral communities across Rajasthan also hold extensive traditional knowledge about plant species — their medicinal uses, roles in fodder cycles, and importance during dry seasons. Many of these insights continue to support local health practices and sustainable livelihoods.

A Living Classroom

The flora and fauna surrounding Arna-Jharna form an essential part of the museum’s learning environment. Visitors, students and researchers can observe how ecology, culture and community life are closely interlinked — and how desert knowledge continues to shape sustainable ways of living.

↑