Evaluation of the ecosystem services provided by the Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India

Rasal, Vishal; Everard, Mark; Khandal, Dharmendra; Chandrawal, Kapil; Sahu, Yogesh K

Abstract

Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS), in Rajasthan (India), lost its tiger population in 2000, though since 2019 tigers have over-spilled from the adjacent Ranthambhore National Park (RNP). Though protected, the forests of KWLS are depleted through exploitation by resident and migratory human communities. This study is novel in addressing ecosystem service flows and values of an Indian wildlife sanctuary on a systemic basis, supported by substantial primary fieldwork, illuminating the many societal values it generates. A VALUE+ approach used local interviews, primary fieldwork and literature to determine ecosystem service provision by KWLS, where possible with monetary representation. Conservative values estimated for 21 ecosystem services covered: (1) benefit flows at INR 84.47 billion year-1; (2) natural capital stock at INR 367.3 billion; and (3) unquantified ecosystem services. Monetary values are purely illustrative representations largely based on surrogate markets, but nonetheless indicate the range and scale of mainly unappreciated societal benefits. Comparison of KWLS with RNP illustrates differences in service provision between lesser and highly protected ecosystems, including the potential to enhance services such as ecotourism and space for reestablished tiger and other wildlife populations but also potential disbenefits for those currently extracting resources from KWLS who may become displaced or require compensation.

Citation

Rasal, V., Everard, M., Khandal, D., Chandrawal, K., & Sahu, Y. K. (2021). Evaluation of the ecosystem services provided by the Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India. PARKS - The International Journal of Protected Areas and Conservation, 27, 13-24. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.2021.PARKS-27-1VRMH.en

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 20, 2021
• Online Publication Date: May 1, 2021
• Publication Date: May 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jun 25, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 29, 2021
• Journal: PARKS
• Print ISSN: 0960-233X
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Pages: 13-24
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.2021.PARKS-27-1VRMH.en
• Keywords: Kailadevi; Ranthambhore; tiger; livelihoods; Rajasthan; VALUE+
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7003140
• Publisher URL: https://parksjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/10.2305-IUCN.CH_.2021PARKS-27-1en_Rasal_et_al.pdf