bagaria.me

This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.

A small gecko on a sunlit rock ridge reaching toward a single shaft of light in deep shadow, Thar DesertA toad-headed agama on rippled sand dunes, the Thar DesertA toad-headed agama standing firm as sand blows across a dark desert, the TharA toad-headed agama sits on the dune crest under a towering monsoon cloudA toad-headed agama braces as wind lifts sand around it, the grains lit like sparksA saw-scaled viper lies coiled on itself, tongue out, scales patterned like the sandA scorpion glows blue-white under ultraviolet light against the dark desert floor
7 photographs from here. Open any frame for the full picture and its capture details.
  • National Park
  • Photographed here

Desert National Park

Beta

Also known as Thar Desert and Thar

A vast Thar Desert park of dunes and scrub, a last stronghold of the great Indian bustard.

Why this place matters

Major Thar Desert national park and critical habitat for the great Indian bustard, representing India's arid ecosystem in the protected-area network.

The wildlife

  • Great Indian BustardArdeotis nigriceps
    CRCritically Endangered

    One of the last strongholds for this critically endangered arid grassland bird.

  • ChinkaraGazella bennettii
    LCLeast Concern

    Common desert antelope of dunes and scrub.

  • Desert FoxVulpes bengalensis
    LCLeast Concern

    White-footed desert fox of the open dunes and scrub, out mostly at dawn and dusk.

  • Spiny-tailed LizardSaara hardwickii
    VUVulnerable

    Colonies of the burrowing spiny-tailed lizard live on the hard gravel flats and sun themselves by day.

The wider field list, with current IUCN Red List status.

Mammals

Birds

Reptiles

Notable birds include Great Indian Bustard, MacQueen's Bustard and Larks and Wheatears. Reptiles include Spiny-tailed Lizard and Sand Boa.

Plan your visit

Winter brings bustard displays, raptors and winter visitors in open grass and scrub; early summer can offer stark desert light for landscape work.

Zones
Sam and Sudasari sectors within Desert National Park
Safari
jeep safaris on desert tracks
Typical sightings
Chinkara, desert foxes and larks on dunes and plains; bustards and other steppe birds in grass and gravel flats.
Light and terrain
Intense sun and reflective sand create high contrast; best shooting in early morning and late afternoon when shadows sculpt the dunes.
Hides
Limited watch points; most viewing from vehicles and dune edges.
Good to know
Movement restricted to designated tracks; permits required from the Rajasthan Forest Department.