Indigenous weather forecasting through animal behaviour in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Abstract

In the arid and semi-arid landscapes of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where conventional meteorological tools have limited reach in rural and marginal areas, indigenous weather forecasting remains a valuable and culturally embedded practice. This study examines how local communities in and around Jodhpur perceive the behavior of animals, particularly birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects, as natural indicators of upcoming weather conditions, especially during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Through field observations, interviews with traditional knowledge holders, and literature analysis, this research highlights specific behavioral patterns—such as the vocal calls of peacocks, the low flight of swallows, the emergence of ants from burrows, and the unusual movements of snakes—as reliable signs of rainfall, storms, or droughts. The findings suggest that these ethological cues, passed down through generations, offer predictive accuracy that complements scientific forecasts and fosters community preparedness. By documenting and analysing these behaviours, the study underlines the relevance of indigenous ecological knowledge in enhancing climate resilience and sustainability. It also calls for the integration of such traditional insights with modern meteorological systems to build more inclusive and adaptive weather forecasting frameworks, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate variability.