Mammalian diversity in thar desert habitat of Tharparkar District,Sindh,Pakistan

We studied the mammalian fauna in the desert lands of tharparkar district during the period april 1,2013 to april 10,2013. an attempt has been made to assess the current conservation status of the mammals occurring in part of thar desert in pakistan. thirty five (35) species were recorded from different habitats of the district. majority of species belonged to order rodentia followed by carnivora. the rodents dominated the mammalian fauna,being represented by 15 species. gerbillus gleodowi and meriones hurrianae were the most dominant and abundant,followed by tatera indica and mus species. among the 10 species of carnivores,majority are rare in distribution; either endangered or near threatened. of the ungulates indian wild ass (equus hemionus) is near extinction in the rann of kutch (pakistan part). striped hyaena (hyaena hyaena),chinkara or indian gazelle (gazella bennettii),and nilgai or bluebull (boselaphus tragocamelus) are species of concern which need protection for extended conservation status. some of the potential threats and expected environmental impacts due to energy exploration activities in thar coal power project blocks are discussed. copyright 2015 zoological society of pakistan.