The Aravalli Range and Desert Ecology: Emerging Issues, Conservation Challenges, and Implications for Bee–Plant Interactions in Western Rajasthan

The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, plays a critical ecological role in north‑western India by regulating climate, preventing desertification, facilitating groundwater recharge, and supporting diverse biological communities. Extending across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and the National Capital Region of Delhi, the Aravallis act as a natural barrier between the Thar Desert and the Indo‑Gangetic Plains. Despite their ecological importance, the range has undergone rapid degradation due to mining, urban expansion, deforestation, and weak policy enforcement. This review synthesizes available literature on the geography, vegetation, vertebrate and invertebrate fauna of the Aravalli Range, with special emphasis on pollinators—particularly bees. The paper highlights patterns of biodiversity, evaluates ecosystem services provided by the Aravallis, examines threats and legal frameworks, and proposes evidence‑based conservation strategies with a strong focus on pollinator‑friendly management and policy integration.