Canadian Journal of Pure & Applied Sciences

Abstract: The Nara Game Reserve area having a number of wetlands and Nara Canal form a Wetland Complex in Desert. In this study selected areas of twenty two important spots of the Nagiopeer and Dangewari wetlands was surveyed and their physico-chemical data was recorded. The samples were taken season wise from both the wetlands and the estimated parameters showed their chemical characters and quality of water. The water of both the wetlands was not suitable for human drinking due to high value of TDS. Seepage from Nara Canal is responsible for making most of the wetlands of the area to have high salt contents making them largely brackish. We also evaluated the status of wildlife of Nara Game Reserve. Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) has declined in numbers due to habitat degradation and human disturbance. Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrina) and Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) are rare and observed only in Jamrao Head area. The status of large mammals, especially ungulates and carnivores has declined over the past decades due to increase in human population, habitat deterioration, hunting and other ecological changes taking place due to development. Small mammals and rodents are quite common as noticed by their burrow system and direct sightings. The Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata), a winter visitor to the desert areas is under severe hunting pressure. Grey Partridge (Francolinus pondicerianus) and some species of ducks such as Mallard and Common Teal are widely hunted. Main threats to the wildlife of the area are human population, hunting, habitat destruction and ecological changes. The Nara Wetland Complex is an important bio-ecological site which needs conservation and management plan for the sustainability of the Nara Game Reserve area.