Bera Leopard Sanctuary

In the ancient hills of Jawai in India, locals and big cats have peacefully coexisted for centuries like nowhere else in the world. This unique wilderness, located in the west of Rajasthan between popular tourist destination Udaipur and Jodhpur, is a haven for wildlife and home to nomadic Rabari herdsman. It is a fascinating tale of wildlife conservation in India. The leopard cohabits with the villagers and other animals. The Region is also called leopard and shepherds country and has attracted the interest of many international filmmakers from BBC, National Geographic, Animal Planet and Discovery Channel. Before Jawai came into eminence, Nagarhole National Park down south was known for best sightings of leopard. But Jawai has surpassed Nagarhole. Now one can spend the entire duration of morning or evening safari observing leopards without much timing restrictions.

Jawi Community Reserve

Arid region of Rajasthan has been the habitat of many birds and mammals. Lots of effort is being made to conserve flora and fauna of this region. One of them - Jawai Conservation Reserve, was established in the year 2013. This project proposes to promote ecotourism and safeguard the wellbeing of flora and Fauna. Ancient rocks of the pre-Cambrian period are found here. They have interesting shapes formed by lava millions of years ago. These large granite formations are with scattered Anogeissus scrub and rocky dry river beds; the kopjes scattered with religious shrines and temples. The leopards have accepted these as a part of their habitat, and it is the most incredible sight to see villagers at prayer and leopards sitting quite calmly and watching the ceremonies.

Leopards & Shepherds

Traditionally Jawai and Bera area were maintained for grazing livestock and farming, with the creation of watering holes and feeding stations for wildlife. A healthy population of 50+ Leopards is there in the Region and it is one of the few places on earth where among human settlements leopards thrive. The area is also inhabited by Rabari Tribe who are Shepherds or semi-nomadic herders. Rabari tribe following ancient routes that take them south into Gujarat and east into Madhya Pradesh. And in the hills live dozens of leopards, predators who by day watch the humans go about their business and by night come down to hunt, stalking the streets of their villages and killing livestock at times.

Wildlife

Some of the animals found in the area are Indian Leopard, Caracal (rare sight), Chinkara, Desert Cat, Indian Wolf, Sloth Bear, Pythons, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Striped Hyena & Blue Bulls. A highlight of the Region is Jawai Dam. This large reservoir is home to many species of migratory and residential birds and provides incredible sightings of species like the Sarus Crane, Indian Courser, Osprey, Pelicans, Bar- Headed Geese, Waterfowl, Pipits, Larks, Pratincoles, Demoiselle Crane, Northern Pintail, Wagtails & Pelicans in winters. Crocodiles can also be seen basking at Jawai dam in winter months.

Getting There:
The Jawai Community Conservation Reserve is situated approximately 140 km from Udaipur and 165 km from Jodhpur airports.

Recommended Circuit:
Tigers, Leopards and Birds with Cultural Triangle: Delhi -Agra -Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - Jaipur - Ranthambhore - Deogarh -Jawai -Udaipur. Tigers & Leopards: Delhi- Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Pench - Udaipur -Jawai Sanctuary -Jodhpur - Delhi.

Leopards & Snow Leopard: Delhi - Leh - Hemis - Udaipur - Jawai - Jodhpur - Delhi.

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