Evaluation of the ecosystem services provided by the Kailadevi wildlife sanctuary, Rajasthan, India

Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS), in Rajasthan (India), lost its Tiger (Panthera tigris) 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 aims to reveal the many societal values generated within KWLS by assessing ecosystem service flows and values on a systemic basis, supported by substantial primary fieldwork. 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 included: (1) benefit flows of INR 84.47 billion year-1; (2) natural capital stock of 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 re-established Tiger and other wildlife populations, but also potential disbenefits for those currently extracting resources from KWLS who may become displaced or require compensation.