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The Thar DesertThar desert hosts a diverse rodent faunaRodent fauna despite its arid climateArid climate, characterized by low rainfall (80–425 mm annually) and extreme temperaturesTemperature (3.4 °C–50.5 °C). This chapter explores the distributionDistribution, ecologyEcology, biologyBiology, and behavior of rodent species within this unique ecosystem, which lies at the convergence of Palearctic, Oriental, and Saharan biogeographic regions. The Thar DesertThar desert is home to 18 rodent species belonging to SciuridaeSciuridae, Muridae, and HystricidaeHystricidae families, including economically significant pests like Tatera indicaTatera indica, Meriones hurrianaeMeriones hurrianae, and Bandicota bengalensisBandicota bengalensis. These species adapt to varied habitats, from sandy dunes to irrigated croplands, impacting agriculture through crop damage and grain hoardingHoarding. Lesser bandicoot ratLesser bandicoot rat (B. bengalensis), and Indian gerbilIndian gerbil (T. indica) are notable for their widespread distributionDistribution and role as plague reservoirs. High human population density (84/km2) exacerbates biotic pressure on the desert’s resources. This synthesis, drawing from extensive research by the Central Arid ZoneArid zone Research Institute and Zoological Survey of India, Jodhpur, underscores ecological significance and economic challenges posed by these rodents, highlighting their adaptability and the need for effective pest management strategies.

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Rodent Fauna of the Great Indian Desert

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Vipin Chaudhary,
  • Mahesh K. Gaur,
  • Surendra Poonia,
  • Nand Kishore Jat

摘要

The Thar DesertThar desert hosts a diverse rodent faunaRodent fauna despite its arid climateArid climate, characterized by low rainfall (80–425 mm annually) and extreme temperaturesTemperature (3.4 °C–50.5 °C). This chapter explores the distributionDistribution, ecologyEcology, biologyBiology, and behavior of rodent species within this unique ecosystem, which lies at the convergence of Palearctic, Oriental, and Saharan biogeographic regions. The Thar DesertThar desert is home to 18 rodent species belonging to SciuridaeSciuridae, Muridae, and HystricidaeHystricidae families, including economically significant pests like Tatera indicaTatera indica, Meriones hurrianaeMeriones hurrianae, and Bandicota bengalensisBandicota bengalensis. These species adapt to varied habitats, from sandy dunes to irrigated croplands, impacting agriculture through crop damage and grain hoardingHoarding. Lesser bandicoot ratLesser bandicoot rat (B. bengalensis), and Indian gerbilIndian gerbil (T. indica) are notable for their widespread distributionDistribution and role as plague reservoirs. High human population density (84/km2) exacerbates biotic pressure on the desert’s resources. This synthesis, drawing from extensive research by the Central Arid ZoneArid zone Research Institute and Zoological Survey of India, Jodhpur, underscores ecological significance and economic challenges posed by these rodents, highlighting their adaptability and the need for effective pest management strategies.