Jodbeed Gadhwala Conservation Reserve
Jodbeed Gadhwala Conservation Reserve or simply Jorbeed conservation reserve or Jorbeer is a protected area located in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan, India. It was notified by the Government of Rajasthan on 25 November 2008. The reserve covers an area of approximately 56.47 square kilometres and is managed by the Rajasthan Forest Department. It was created primarily to conserve declining populations of raptors, especially vultures.
History
Established over a century ago by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, the Jorbeer site was originally designated as an official carcass disposal area, intended to be situated at a distance from the royal settlements. It continues to serve as a major animal carcass disposal site, primarily for cattle, as well as camels, goats, and sheep. The reserve was officially established on 25 November 2008, to protect traditional vulture feeding grounds and prevent land-use changes and disturbances in the area. It is the third conservation reserve in Rajasthan specifically designated for raptor conservation under the Wildlife Act of 1972.
Geography
Jodbeed Gadhwala is situated about 14.5 km southeast of Bikaner, accessible via the Bikaner Napasar Ladnun Road. The reserve lies within the semi-arid zone of the Thar Desert, characterized by sandy dunes, ephemeral water bodies, and xerophytic shrubland dominated by Prosopis juliflora and other drought tolerant vegetation.
Biodiversity
Avifauna
The reserve is an important habitat for several species of scavenging and predatory birds.Vultures: Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Cinereous Vulture Other Raptors: Black Kite, Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle, various harriers and buzzardsMigratory Birds: Demoiselle Crane, Common Crane
Flora
The vegetation consists mainly of thorny shrubs, seasonal grasses, and herbs that appear briefly after the monsoon season.