Wildlife and Forest Area Increase in Udaipur


Wildlife and Forest Area Increase in Udaipur

The latest reports from the Wildlife Census and the Indian Forest Survey Report indicates a positive shift in the region’s ecological health
 
wildlife and forest area increase in udaipur

Udaipur, February 3, 2025 - Udaipur district has witnessed a significant rise in both wildlife population and forest cover, as per the latest reports from the 2024 Wildlife Census and the 2023 Indian Forest Survey Report. The findings indicate a positive shift in the region’s ecological health, benefiting both biodiversity and the environment.

Increase in Wildlife Population

The 2024 Wildlife Census, conducted after the last survey in 2022, recorded a notable increase in wildlife numbers across Udaipur’s forests. The district consists of two territorial divisions Udaipur and Udaipur North and four protected areas under the Wildlife Circle: Baghdara Conservation Reserve, Jaisamand Sanctuary, Phulwari Ki Nal Sanctuary, and Sajjangarh Sanctuary.

According to the latest census data, the region has witnessed an increase of 22 Leopards and 9 Bears. The most significant rise was observed in the Langur population, which grew by 779 individuals. The numbers of Chousingha (four-horned antelope) and Sambar Deer increased by three each compared to the previous census.

Among the territorial forests, Udaipur North Division recorded the highest wildlife count, with 3,179 species, while the Udaipur Division recorded 2,776 species. In the protected areas, Phulwari Ki Naal Sanctuary reported the highest wildlife sightings with 1,509 animals, while Baghdara Conservation Reserve, being the smallest, had the lowest count of 68 wildlife species.

The wildlife census scheduled for 2023 was postponed twice due to rainfall. Initially planned for May it was rescheduled for June. However, pre-monsoon rains led to further delays, preventing the census from taking place.

Udaipur’s Expanding Forest Cover

In addition to the rise in wildlife numbers, Udaipur district has also recorded an expansion in its forest area. According to the 2023 Indian Forest Survey Report, Udaipur’s forest area has increased by 12.37 square kilometers since 2021, reaching a total of 2,766.30 square kilometers. A major highlight of this report is the development of dense forests in the district. Previously, Udaipur lacked dense forests, but now, 61.27 square kilometers have transformed into fully dense forest. 

The open forest area, often referred to as scrub forest, has also expanded. In 2021, it covered 1,540.46 square kilometers, which increased to 1,581.31 square kilometers by 2023, marking a rise of 40.85 square kilometers. However, the growth of open forests is not entirely beneficial, as such areas are often dominated by invasive plant species like Juliflora and Lantana, which hinder the growth of other vegetation and are not consumed by wildlife.

The Indian Forest Survey Report is released every two years by the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment. With the continuous expansion of forest cover and increasing wildlife numbers, Udaipur is emerging as a key region for ecological conservation in Rajasthan.

Source: Media Reports

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