About Us

The climate of the sanctuary is mainly influenced by its remote inland position and prevalence of air of continental character, which is characterized by extreme summer heat alternating with great winter cold. Such a type of climate is unfavourable for the growth of luxuriant vegetation. The climate is of semiarid nature due to marked diurnal differences of temperatures, high saturation deficit and moderately low rainfall. The climate is marked periodically and is characterized by a dry and increasingly hot season from March to June, dry and cold winter from October to February and an acute warm monsoon period from July to September.

The vegetation in the Wildlife Sanctuary is predominantly an open canopied thorny scrub. The native plants exhibit xerophytic adaptations such as thorny appendages, wax-coated, succulent and tomentose leaves. Maheswari (1963) describes the vegetation as semi-arid thorny scrub. As per Champion & Seth (1968), the vegetation falls under Northern Tropical Thorn Forests type. Despite all the mining impact and pressure, samples of native floral and faunal communities still exist. Thereby reinforcing the conservation significance of these areas.

The native vegetation can be broadly classified into four forest (vegetation) types namely Dhau (Anogeissus pendula) Forest, Kumtha (Senegalia senegal) Forest, Palash (Butea monosperma) Forest and Grasslands representing native vegetation found on slopes of hills, degraded forests, forest in the valleys and savannah landscape in open areas respectively.

Keekar (Prosopis juliflora), which is native to Mexico, appears to have been established in barren, degraded areas and areas near human settlements. Large thickets of Prosopis juliflora forms the main vegetal cover in the wildlife sanctuary. This species along with Lantana (Lantana camara) and Congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus) are the principal invasive threats to the landscape.

In our study at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary we have documented total 237 species of plants, which includes 85 species of trees, 130 species of shrubs and herbs, 18 species of grasses and 4 species of sedges. Dhau (Anogeissus pendula), Palash (Butea monosperma), Kanthari (Caparris sepiaria), Jharber (Ziziphus nummularia) are some of the native species of Aravalli range.

Mammals: In our surveys, we have recorded 25 species of mammals including Leopard (Panthera pardus), Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena), Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), Golden Jackal (Canis aureus), Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Ruddy Mongoose (Herpestes smithii) and Fruit Bat (Pteropus giganteus).

Birds: Our studies documented the avifauna of this wildlife sanctuary revealed the presence of 250 species and 2 subspecies. These included 115 residents, 42 local migrants, 58 winter migrants, 18 passage migrants, 6 summer/breeding migrants, 6 vagrant species and 7 species whose status could not be determined. The IUCN threat status of species includes 2 critically endangered, 3 endangered, 7 vulnerable, and 8 near-threatened bird species.

There are total 28 raptor species historically recorded in Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary out of which 21 species of raptors have been recorded during winter raptor survey. Out of these 14 species are in Schedule l Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The survey recorded the presence of critically endangered Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), endangered Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis), vulnerable Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga) and Indian Spotted Eagle (Clanga hastata). In this survey a near threatened Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) was recorded for the first time in Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary on Nov, 2017. Out of a total 21 species recorded, 8 are resident species, 8 were migrant species, 1 were vagrants and status for 4 could not be defined.

In December 2021 Black Eagle (Ictinaetus malaiensis), a rarity in our area, was sighted for a second time after 2018 and was recorded regularly till February 2022. In Jan 2022 congregation of Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) was seen near Asola Lake, moreover its sub species Neophron percnopterus percnopterus (migratory) was also recorded.

In Feb 2022 Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) was recorded, which is a new addition to the list of Delhi’s avifauna. This has been the first ever photographic record for this Himalayan species in Delhi.

Reptiles: 24 reptile species were recorded in our surveys including Indian Cobra (Naja naja), Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus), Rock Python (Python molurus), Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis), Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) and Red Sand Boa (Eryx Johnii).

Butterflies: 86 butterfly species were also recorded during the surveys including Chocolate Pansy (Junonia iphita), Common Mime (Papilio clytia), Common Grass Dart (Taractrocera maevius), Red Pierrot (Talicada nyseus).

Dragonflies: 15 species of Odonata were recorded from the sanctuary during the study. Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens), Common Club Tail (Ictinigomphus rapax), Pixie Dartlet (Ischnura nursei) are some special findings from Asola.

Latest camera trap studies have revealed presence of 8 individual Leopards along with several Hyena’s utilizing the forest area. Since 2015 we have been conducting several monitoring programs like Common Bird Monitoring Program, Butterfly Monitoring Program, Dragonfly Monitoring and Winter Raptor Survey for monitoring avi-fauna Moreover, Forest Guards, Wildlife Guards and Security guards are trained and deployed for patrolling and anti-poaching watch. All ecological restoration work is supervised and monitored for upgrading and rectifying problems encountered in plantations.

Department of Forests & Wildlife has been studying the rain watershed and run off in the forest. We have developed over 180 gabion check dams over 15 seasonal streams and recently revived 4 water bodies of more than 0.5 Acre each.

These waterholes can be thought of as "biological supermarkets." They provide great volumes of food that attract many animal species. These animals use wetlands for part of or all of their life-cycle. Dead plant leaves and stems break down in the water to form small particles of organic material called "detritus." This enriched material feeds many small aquatic insects, shellfish and small fish that are food for larger predatory fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals.

We have also added aquatic plants like Lotus, Nymphaea, Duckweed, Hydrilla, Utricularia, Typha for stopping eutrophication of the water. While grasses like Saccharum spontaneum, Desmostachya bipinnata and Tripidium bengalense and Chrysopogon zizanioides have been planted for stabilization of the banks.

These water bodies will not only provide ecosystem services to the forest but also be a recreational spot for birdwatchers and visitors coming to the sanctuary. The restoration of this erstwhile mining site to an old growth native Aravalli forest will be greatly aided by these soil and water conservation measures.

Check dams are of 2 types: Gabion and Grass, have been developed for soil and water conservation at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary since 2020. The basic concept behind the installation of these dams is to reduce the flow of the water through streams, with the aim of halting degradation of land through weathering and soil erosion. The gabion check dam structures are chosen in order to prevent the water from flowing into the sewage water accumulated at the boundaries connected to human colonies adjacent to the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, once the water is contaminated it takes more time and water wasted in order to treat the water for any use. The nearby areas of unitary check-dams are examined closely and upon finding spots where water collection is maximum relative to the corresponding dam; such spots are chosen for further implementation based on permutation and combination of various structures for an effective sub-surface level recharge. Areas have been identified at Baya Weaver Stream, Dhau Stream and Sandgrouse Stream for the construction of ponds, bio dams, swales and trenches along the contour.

Large tracts of land degraded due to erstwhile mining activities is being restored through assisting natural regeneration of the forest. A mix of traditional and innovative reforestation practices with focus on least intrusive methods have been utilised for the greening effort. Systematic plantations with best suited flora for the region has yielded great results. The planation plan also includes, removal of Lantana camara, developing a three tier forest community, biological suppression of Prosopis juliflora, canopy plugging, developing grasslands, plantation of shrub and ground cover, seed ball dispersal and seed dibbling and use of hydrogel in some special cases.

The heartbeat of the conservation and restoration plan, this nursery is utilized for growing saplings for restoration projects in Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and free public distribution. The focus of the nursery is to raise endemic, threatened and native plants of Northern Aravalli Range. We are targeting 120 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses and climbers out of which 92 species has been grown till now at Aravalli Native Plant Nursery. Focus is on plants like Guggal (Commiphora wightii) (IUCN Status: Critically Endangered) and Rohida (Tecomella undulata) (IUCN Status: Endangered).

Aravalli Forest Nursery was inaugurated on 21st March 2021 on the occasion of World Forestry Day at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. This nursery has the capacity of 99 nursery beds and 55 mother beds. Furthermore, these beds are divided into sections called trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses. Moreover, there is a knowledge centre (Interpretation centre), temperature and humidity controlled poly house, field testing lab, green house, leaf-mould composting site, vermi-composting site and monitoring team office.

Additionally, a portion of plants grown under the project are set aside every monsoon for maintenance in the tall seedling nursery. The tall seedlings will be looked after for two years until they attain a certain height and girth (depending on species). These semi-mature trees would have a better mortality rate when used in plantation and restoration work. They will require less intensive maintenance and yield better results. Additionally, there is a seed storage room and open classroom for educational programs and training in the nursery. This nursery has the capacity of 135 nursery beds and 20 mother beds.

State of art veterinarian facility with 24 hour helpline. Completely equipped operation theatre and after care facilities or holding pens. The centre has been fully operational for more than a year with ambulance and transit vans, along with entirely trained catchers, ground staff, wildlife guards and experienced doctors.

We have conducted various biodiversity based programs at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. Programs including walks, workshops, nature festivals, eco - day celebrations and biodiversity surveys with school, colleges, citizens, underprivileged students, Forest Department trainees and general public of Delhi NCR at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and other green zones of Delhi NCR. Annual footfall is over 10,000 visitors for all the programs.

The vegetation is predominantly an open canopied thorny scrub type. The native plants exhibit xerophytic adaptations such as thorny appendages, wax-coated and succulent. It is a semi-arid thorny scrub forest and despite all the mining impact and human pressure, patches of native floral and faunal communities still exist.

1. Dhau (Anogeissuspendula) Forest

Dhau (Anogeissuspendula) forests exist almost as pure forests (about 80 to 90 per cent dhau). This micro-habitat is mostly found on steep slopes which are very rocky, dhau being a rocky habitat specialist. Companion species are Ronjh (Vachellialeucophloea), Barna (Cratevareligiosa), Kakai (Anogeissuslatifolia), JhadBer (Ziziphusnummularia), JungliKaronda (Carissa spinarum).
This forest serves as an important habitat for Ruddy Mongoose (Urvasmithii) and snakes like Indian Cobra (Najanaja) and Saw Scaled Vipers (Echiscarinatus). Birds like Lesser Whitethroat (Currucacurruca), Indian Peafowl (Pavocristatus), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnorisxanthocollis), Jungle Prinia(Priniasylvatica) and Ashy Prinia (Priniasocialis) abound these forests. They are also important hideouts for Leopards (Pantherapardus) of the area.

2. Kumtha Forest

Forests of Kumtha (Senegaliasenegal) exist on gentler slopes or flat rocky ground and are often a sign of degradation of the forests with a large open canopy. Companion species are Khair (Senegalia catechu), Dhau (Anogeissuspendula), Gangeti (Grewiatenax),Ronjh (Vachellialeucophloea), Bistendu (Diospyroscordifolia), Khejdi (Prosopis cineraria), Hingot (Balanitesaegyptiaca), JhadBer (Ziziphusnummularia), Kareel (Capparis decidua), Amaltas (Cassia fistula), Aak (Calotropisgigantea), Safed Aak (Calotropisprocera) and Ghatbor (Flueggealeucopyrus).
This habitat is important breeding habitat for Painted Sandgrouse(Pteroclesindicus) and Indian Thick-knee (endemic) (Burhinusindicus), thus they need special conservation measures. Common birds are Indian Bushlarks(Mirafraerythroptera), Grey Francolins (Ortygornispondicerianus) and Long-billed Pipits (Anthussimilis). Herbivores like Nilgai(Boselaphustragocamelus) are frequently seen in such forests. They also support pollinators like generalist butterflies and bumblebees.

3. Palash (Buteamonosperma) Forest

Forests of Palash (Buteamonosperma) are found in drier open valleys or plains with seasonal streamflow, often with deep soil deposits resulting in dense canopy and seasonal waterlogging. Companion species are Bishtendu (Diospyroscordifolia), JhadBer (Ziziphusnummularia), JungliKaronda (Carissa spinarum), Ronjh (Acacia leucophloea), ChudailPapdi (Holopteleaintegrifolia), Jhinjheri (Bauhinia racemosa), Kakai (Flaucourtiaindica), Goondi (Cordiagharaf), Methainderjao (Holarhenapubscens), Adulsa (Adhatodavasica), Bistendu (Diospyroscordifolia), Hins (Capparissepiaria), Ghatbor(Flueggealeucopyrus), Goya khair (Dichrostachyscinerea).
Purple Sunbirds (Cinnyrisasiaticus), Yellow throated woodpeckers (Piculusflavigula), Black rumpedFlamebacks (Dinopiumbenghalense) along with passage migrant flycatchers like Grey-headed Canary-Flycatchers (Culicicapaceylonensis),Verditer Flycatchers (Eumyiasthalassinus) are common in these areas. Nilgais (Boselaphustragocamelus) and Golden Jackals (Canisaureus) use these broad valleys for moving around the forest. Most Leopard (Pantherapardus) claw marks on the trees are found in such areas. It is a larval host plant for Dark Cerulean (Jamidesbochus), Lemon Emigrant (Catopsiliapomona), Pea Blue (Lampidesboeticus) and Gram Blue (Euchrysopscnejus) butterflies.

4. Kaim Forest

Forests of Kaim (Mitragynaparvifolia) are often found in valleys of the Salai (Boswelliaserrata) or Dhau (Anogeissuspendula) forest slopes where seasonal streams flow. These streams retain waterfor longer periods of time. This makes deep and narrow valleys with very dense vegetation and we can mostly find trees with broad leaves. Companion species are: Dhak(Buteamonosperma), Kala Siris(Albiziaodoratissima), Bistendu(Diospyroscordifolia),Jhinjheri(Bauhinia racemosa),Barna(Crateavaadansonii), Peepal(Ficus religiosa), Badh(Ficus benghalensis), Goolar (Ficus racemosa) and Badadoodhi(Wrightiaarborea).
Usually, such wooded areas have several bee hives. Birds like Oriental Honey Buzzard (Pernisptilorhynchus), Marshall's Iora (Aegithinanigrolutea), yellow-footed Green Pigeons (Treronphoenicopterus), and Indian Grey Hornbills (Ocycerosbirostris) can be found here. These deep valleys are important for the local movement of mammals like Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurushermaphroditus), Small Indian Civet (Viverriculaindica) and Leopards (Pantherapardus). Fruiting season attracts lots of pollinators like bees and butterflies. Squirrel feeds on their fruits.

5. Khajur Forest

Forests of Khajur(Phoenix sylvestris) exist in areas of perennial streams or water bodies. Deep rocky valleys and small boulders create stagnant pools of water. These are scarce in our region and can only be found in small patchess. Habitat is also found near extremely rare natural springs. Companion species are Goolar (Ficus racemosa), JungliAnjeer(Ficus palmata), Lasorda (Cordiadichotoma), GadhaPalash(Erythrinastricta), ChudailPapdi (Holopteleaintegrifolia) with understory of Adusa(Justicaadhatoda) and Pisangna(Grewiaflavescens).
Baya Weavers (Ploceusphilippinus) prefer such habitats especially if there are grasses available. The availability of water for longer periods makes these forests an ideal breeding ground for the birds. Raptors like Short-toed Snake-Eagle (Circaetusgallicus) and Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornischeela) can be easily seen here. This is also an important habitat for Jungle Cats (Felischaus).

6. DesiBabool Forest

DesiBabool (Vachellianilotica) Forests are found in valleys with deep soil deposits, often waterlogged during monsoon. These generally lack surface water but soil retains water for a long time just below the surface. Presence of mosses and liverworts often indicates the water levels in the area. Companion species are: Kareel(Capparis decidua),Kanthari(Capparissepiaria),Jaal(Salvadorapersica),Peelu(Salvadoraoleoides), Ber(Ziziphusmauritiana), and Dessert Cotton grass.
These forests provide breeding habitat for Striped Hyenas (Hyaenahyaena) in the region. Latrine spots can be identified near the top of such valleys. Birds like Black Eagle (Ictinaetusmalaiensis) have been recorded here and Long-tailed Shrikes (Laniusschach) and Bay-backed Shrikes (Laniusvittatus) are commonly seen. Flowers and pods attract lots of insects.

7. Khair Forest

Khair forests are found on the gentler ridges and slopes of hills, dry slopes with very little topsoil are seen in this habitat. The canopy is open and vegetation sparse. Companion species are Dhau(Anogeissuspendula),Ronjh(Acacia leucophloea),Kumath(Acacia Senegal),Barna(Crateavaadansonii), Doodhi(Wrightiatinctoria),Chamrod(Ehretialaevis), Jhinjheri(Bauhinia racemosa),Ghatbor(Flueggealeucopyrus), and Goya khair(Dichrostachyscinerea).
This is an excellent habitat for reptiles and rodents, andconsequently supports large populations of raptors like Black-winged Kite (Elanuscaeruleus), Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) and various owls. Golden Jackals (Canisaureus) can also be seen easily here. Khair(Senegalia catechu) flowers attract lots of beetles, bugs, bees and butterflies.

8. Salai Forest

Salai Forest is found atop the highest hills with ridges and spurs where soil usually has big boulders and pebbles. The soil is also very shallow and dry. Companion species are Kullu(Sterculiaurens), Gurjan(Lanneacoromendalica), Dhau(Anogeissuspendula), Gamhar(Gmelinaarborea),Barna(Crateavaadansonii), Doodhi(Wrightiatinctoria),Chamrod(Ehretialaevis), Kakai(Flaucourtiaindica),Jhinjheri(Bauhinia racemosa) and an understory of MethaInderjao(Holarhenapubscens) and Pisangna(Grewiaflavescens).
Such forests serve as vantage points for apex predators like the Leopard. This forest type is breeding habitat for the endangered Egyptian Vulture (Neophronpercnopterus) and Indian Eagle Owl (Bubo bengalensis).

9. Grasslands

Grasslands are found in some protected and open areas with deep dry soil deposits, flat land or mining pits. These can also occur in seasonal wetlands around water bodies. Grass species like (Saccharumbenghalensis), (Saccharumspontaneum), (Panicumantidotale), (Dactylocteniumaegyptium), (Apludamutica), (Aristidahystrix), (Aristidaadscensionis) and (Andrographispaniculata) aredominant along with companion tree species like Khajur (Phoenix sylvestris), DesiBabool (Vachellianilotica), Khejdi (Prosopis cineraria), Farash (Tamarixdioica) dotting the landscape.
They are the most threatened of our micro habitats, yet vital because they support higher densities of grazing animals. Places where there is too little moisture for trees to grow in great numbers should be covered in grasses and grass-like plants that have growing points close to the soil and can keep on growing even after being nibbled on by animals. Seed-ball broadcasting and dibbling could be effective ways to achieve this.
Pollinators like bees and bumblebees thrive in grasslands where there are many kinds of flowers. Grasslands are good habitats for ladybirds, ground beetles and other beneficial insects that feed on pest insects and contribute to biological control.