Desert National Park
The topography of the Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, chiefly constitutes of craggy rocks, compact salt lake bottoms, inter medial areas and fixed sand dunes that cover approx. 20% of its total area, offering suitable conditions for the fast moving chinkaras. The vegetation at the park comprises mainly of small grasses, shrubs and xerophytes. The leaf cover is quite limited and so unsuitable for large herbivorous, with camel being the only exception.
The unique topography and vegetation supports a unique wildlife in the Desert National Park, which include Spiny-tail Lizards, Desert Monitors, Sand Fishes, Chameleons and a wide variety of Snakes including the deadly Vipers and Kraits. Other important wild animals in the Desert National Park are Chinkaras, Blackbucks, Desert Foxes, Bengal Foxes, Desert Wolves, Desert Cats, Desert Hares, Hedgehogs and Desert Gerbils. However, it's the endangered Great Indian Bustard for which the Desert National Park Jaisalmer in known for.
The Desert National Park also supports a rich and unique bird population, including some rare bird species. Among commonly seen birds in the park include the Spotted Sand Grouses, Houbara Bustards, Eagles, Gray Partridges, Isabelline Shrikes, Desert Wheatear Demoiselle Cranes, Stoliczka's Bushchat, Quails, Peafowl Bee-eaters, Larks, Harriers, Falcons, Orioles, Warblers, Babblers, Buzzards, Kestrel and Vultures etc. Sudashri forest post is an ideal place for watching and photographing wildlife of Desert National Park, where one can spot a group of bustards near water holes. November to March is best time to visit the Desert National Park. The park is easily accessible by road from Jaisalmer (40 km).
