Mahendra Singh Solanki, Arindam Basu, Shantanu Dabi, Hari Lal Jangid and Partap Singh

Reptiles are a diverse group of cold-blooded vertebrates, encompassing various species such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles. These remarkable creatures have adapted to a wide range of habitats across the globe, from deserts to rainforests and even oceans. We have been studying the reptilian diversity of Bikaner region fore than a decade and the present article provide baseline data for further monitoring of them. We have observed 11 species of Lizards, 14 species of snakes and two species of testudines during our survey. Some of these have been introduced with the transportation and are trying to establish their population here. Three venomous snakes of economic importance are Saw-scaled Viper, Asian Cobra and Common Krait. Krait and viper species are most responsible for the deaths due to snake bites. From an ecological perspective, reptiles play vital roles both as predator and prey in ecosystems, contributing to the balance of this delicate environment. Reptiles play vital roles in the ecosystems and help in maintaining intricate equilibrium. However, due to climate change, habitat loss and anthropogenic activities, many reptile species in the Thar are facing significant threats. It is crucial that conservation efforts are increased to safeguard these unique species and preserve Rajasthan's rich biodiversity for future generations. 

DOI: 10.22271/23940522.2024.v11.i5a.1046

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