The vibrant atmosphere of Jaipur makes it a perfect place for several migratory birds, wild species, and beautiful plants. The flora and fauna of Jaipur aka Jaipur’s biodiversity comprise varied species of animals (Desert Fox, Blue Bulls, Striped Hyenas, Wolf, Wild Boar, Tiger, Chital, Indian Sambhar, etc.), varied species of birds (Baya, Ibis, Kingfisher, Erget, etc.) and varied species of plants (Lantana Camara, Ixora Coccinea, Hamelia Patens, Bougainvillea, etc.). One should know everything about the place they live in.
Preserving and knowing the biodiversity of Jaipur is the responsibility of every Jaipurite. If you don’t know about Jaipur’s history, then, read the article about the history of Jaipur on PinkCity Blog.
Let’s dig deep into the Flora and Fauna of Jaipur to learn more about Jaipur’s biodiversity.
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of plants and animal life in the world or in this biosphere. It is also known as biological diversity.
According to Wilcox, here is the definition of biodiversity: Biological diversity is the variety of life forms at all levels of biological systems (i.e., molecular, organismic, population, species, and ecosystem).
What is the importance of Biodiversity?
Biodiversity helps in maintaining the stability of the ecological changes. Everything has its importance in its place. Without biodiversity, ecological stability will be in danger. The more biodiversity, the more is the better ecosystem as all the things in this world are co-related.
Flora And Fauna In Jaipur: Rajasthan’s Biodiversity
There is a wide range of flora (plants) and fauna (animals) in Jaipur. This biodiversity of Jaipur helps in maintaining ecological stability and also makes the ecosystem better. We all know about the less-known tourist places in Jaipur and famous places in Jaipur but what about the members of Jaipur i.e. the plants and animals?
Here are the different types of birds and plants that are crucial parts of the Flora and Fauna of Jaipur.
Biodiversity in Birds (Fauna of Jaipur)
The list of biodiversity of Jaipur in terms of birds is as:
1. Baya
The first bird in our list of biodiversity of Jaipur is the Baya. These birds are very social and rigorous. Each bright yellow male has several nests and several females at the same time. They are the least concerned birds and can be found easily.
2. Ibis
These water birds have an approximate height of 60 to 80 centimeters. It lacks a true voice-producing mechanism and is silent except for grunts utter when nesting.
3. Black Winged Stilt
The scientific name of this bird is “H. himantopus”. It is a winter visitor for Jaipur and the height of these birds is approximately 30-40 centimeters.
4. Kingfisher
These birds, Kingfisher are famous for hunting and eating fish. They nest in excavated sea banks of a forest stream. The average height of a kingfisher bird is 10 cm. The biggest kingfisher was found in Africa which is 42 to 46 cm in length.
5. Common Hoopoe
This bird, the Common Hoopoe is named after its soft musical call “hoopoo”. They feed on small insects and sometimes small food such as berries. These birds are very high-flying birds. Even some of them are seen flying at the top of the Himalayas from the satellites.
6. Great Cormorant
It hunts fish by diving and chasing them underwater. It is a unique way of hunting. The great cormorant often nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers, and sheltered inshore waters. These birds height vary from 70 to 100 cm.
7. Dove
There are 5 types of dove found in Jaipur. They are also known as “fakhta”. Their length ranges from 15 to 75 cm. The major diet of the dove includes seeds and fruits. The fruit-eating species of doves have shorter intestines than those who eat seeds.
8. Eurasian Wigeon
It is also a winter visitor for Jaipur. They are commonly known as “chota laal sir”. This Eurasian wigeon is of about 42–52 cm long with a 71–80 cm wingspan and a weight ranging between 500–1,073 g.
9. Red Vented Bulbul
They have a little crest on their head which makes them easily identifiable. Large stakes are wagered on combative bulbul fights. Their height is of about 2 to 6 meters.
10. White Eye Buzzard
These are beneficial misunderstood species that eat farming menaces rather than birds. They are vociferous in the breeding season, and several birds may be heard calling as they soar together.
11. Sun Bird
They generally make the sound “wich wich” and the breeding male sings “chew it chew it”. The sunbirds have counterparts in two very distantly related groups: the hummingbirds of the Americas and the honeyeaters of Australia.
12. Heron
These are the freshwater and coastal birds. They nest on a twig platform (Grey heron) and feed on aquatic species which makes them carnivorous.
13. Small Bee Eater
They nest dug in the uneven sandy ground. They are the aerial hunters of insects i.e. they hunt the animals during their flight or catch an eye on their prey.
14. Erget
The nests of these birds are found in mixed colonies in large leafy trees often in the midst of a noisy town.
Biodiversity in Flowers (Flora of Jaipur)
Here is a list of different types of flowers available in Jaipur.
1. Acalypha Malabarica
The common name of this flower, Acalypha Malabarica is “Satawari”. They are used to cure hemorrhage, diarrhea, cough, arthritis, and poisoning.
2. Euphorbia Neriifoila
It is an “Indian Spurge tree”. Euphorbia Neriifoila is extensively used for curing ear pain and inflammation.
3. Bauhinea Galphini
This is a “Red orchid tree”. Bauhinea Galphini has a very good capacity to tolerate drought, thus making it drought-tolerant.
4. Euphorbia Royleana
It is commonly called “Chhun”. This medicinal plant is used as a hedge due to its various important uses.
5. Bougainvillea
The common name of this plant is “Boonbel”. There are very few varieties of Bougainvillea that grow brighter and are more attractive in hot dry climates.
6. Nerium Oleander
Commonly called Kaner, Nerium Oleander is a dwarf or little shrub that is selected to beautify residential landscapes. These little shrubs act as an ornament in the home.
7. Caesalpinia Pulcherrima
They are commonly called “Peacock flower”. They are brought from the West Indies and are used as a flowering barrier fence. Common names for this species include poinciana, peacock flower, red bird of paradise, Mexican bird of paradise, dwarf poinciana, pride of Barbados, flos pavonis, and flamboyant-de-jardin.
8. Hamelia Patens
The common name of this flower is “Firebush”. The stems and leaves of this plant are used in tanning leather.
9. Calotropis Procera
The common name of this plant is “Rubber Bush”. The bark and leaves of this plant are widely used for the treatment of leprosy and asthma.
10. Ixora Coccinea
The common name of this plant is “Rugmini”. This plant, Ixora Coccinea blooms only in the presence of adequate light. Thus, making it unique in its type of plants.
11. Datura Metel
They are known as “Devil’s Trumpet”. They are very poisonous even in small doses. Do not think to gift it to your loved ones. Just kidding hahaha!!!
12. Jasminum Sambac
It is a species of common flowers or plants such as “Bela, Chameli, or Jasmine”. They are widely used in making perfumes and flavoring tea. The smell of this flower is very smoothening and can take you to another world, hypothetically.
13. Euphorbia Milii
They are the “Crown of Thrones”. This plant is also drought-tolerant and is generally found in drought-prone areas.
14. Lantana Camara
Commonly known as “Raimuniya”. It is a Native American plant that was brought by the Dutch to bring color to the Indian countryside. Thus, they work as the ornaments or can be called the ornamental flowers.
Final Words
For nature enthusiasts, Jaipur offers a unique and captivating experience. The flora and fauna of Jaipur comprises varied plants and animals (birds) contributing to the biodiversity of Rajasthan.
Take advantage of Jaipur’s transportation to visit Dravyavati Bird Park and Mansarovar Landscape Park which are part of the Dravyavati River rejuvenation project and explore more about the biodiversity of Jaipur.
In this article, we have covered the widest range of flora and fauna of Jaipur. We have tried to cover everything about the biodiversity of Jaipur but we might have forgotten to add a few. You can let us know about them in the comments section.