Tal Chhapar Bird Sanctuary: A haven for wildlife and nature lovers

Tal Chhapar Bird Sanctuary, located in the Churu district of Rajasthan, is one of India's most unique and picturesque wildlife sanctuaries.

- SHAILENDRA LATTA

Situated on the fringes of the Thar Desert, it lies between the towns of Ratangarh and Sujangarh and is famous for its large population of blackbucks and migratory birds. The sanctuary, spread over an area of about 7.2 square kilometers, was once a private hunting ground of the Maharaja of Bikaner and has now transformed into a protected haven for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, and bird watchers.

The sanctuary's landscape is characterized by open grasslands interspersed with scattered acacia trees, giving it the appearance of a vast savanna. Its flat terrain, seasonal water bodies, and saline soil make it an ideal habitat for several grassland species. During the monsoon, the area transforms into a lush green carpet, supporting a rich variety of flora and fauna.