Wastelands or preferred-lands? Indicators for redefining desert conservation

Abstract

Desert ecosystems, often misperceived as barren and low in biodiversity, play a critical role in global climate regulation. This study examines the functional dynamics of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, focusing on spatio-temporal variations in avian species richness and insect abundance across four ecoregions: Western Thar (WT), Eastern Thar (ET), Transitional Zone (TZ), and Cultivated Zone (CZ), spanning 33 districts. Avian diversity data from eBird and insect diversity data from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) were analyzed, supplemented by five years of feeding behavior observations from an 852-acre site. We found significant seasonal differences in bird species richness, with the highest variability in CZ, followed by WT. Western Thar also had the highest insect diversity, particularly in orders like Orthoptera and Hymenoptera. Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) highlighted the link between dietary preferences and migratory patterns, showing how insects support winter migration. These findings challenge the perception of deserts as biologically limited and underscore the importance of insects in sustaining avian populations. This study suggests using migratory birds to help improve desert conservation strategies. It highlights the importance of viewing deserts not just as wastelands, especially in WT, to guide efforts in restoring the vulnerable ecosystems.