ECOLOGICAL CHANGES IN CENTRAL ARAVALLI HILLY RANGE: A CASE STUDY OF TONK DISTRICT, RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Ecosystems are the basis of life itself! Ecosystems are frequently disturbed by natural factors and humans actions leading to the degradation of land and also lead to the extinction of species of plants and animals called “Keystone” species. Extinction occurs due to changes in landuse. This paper proposes a conceptual model that integrates physical and ecological aspects with human aspects of land degradation through multidisplinary approach. The study area is located in central Aravalli in state of Rajasthan. The climate on the whole is semi arid. This study examines the nature, spatial pattern, degree and causes of land degradation in central Aravalli hilly tract, which has ultimately disturbed and affected the ecology of the area. Here, degradation of forest resources, scarcity of water resources, decreasing underground water level, and decrease in arable land has put an immense pressure on the ecosystem. Main objectives are to analyze the factors responsible for ecological imbalances enforced through land degradation in the area, to diagnose the spatial distributional pattern of flora and fauna at different level and last to suggest action plan the ecological balance in the study area. Further, the sustainable development has been putforth, which is the development without destruction and deterioration of natural resources. Socio-economic development also must be sustainable both ecologically and economically and should be pursued without jeopardizing natural resources quality and availability for future generations. There is a need to harmonize development activities with integrated ecological management.