Indian
Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary |
About
Indian Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary |
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The entire
Little Rann of Kutch, also known as the Indian Wild Ass
wildlife sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in
India. This is the only sanctuary in India which is the
home of the Asiatic wild ass and covers an area of 4850
square km. This sanctuary consists of a vast area of
flat land that is dotted with islands known as "Baits"
which form the core for the flora and fauna. The Asiatic
wild ass is one of the Gujarat’s many endemic species.
In India, the Indian wild ass represents the horse
tribe. In the Little Rann of Kutch, these wild ass are
attracted by the baits or islands where coarse grasses
spring up in monsoon. But in summer, these ass move to
these baits where there is regular supply of water and
grass. |
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Wildlife
Attractions in the Indian Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary
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The main wildlife attraction in the Indian Wild Ass Wildlife
Sanctuary is the
wild ass. Besides the wild ass, the rare and endangered Ghudkhur,
Jungle Cat, Desert Cat, Chinkara gazelle, Nilgai antelope, the
endangered Indian wolf, jackal, desert and Indian foxes, hare, desert gerbil and pale and long eared hedgehog
are the various animals which are found in the Little Rann of
Kutch. In winter, the Little Rann of Kutch becomes a birds paradise
that attracts about three hundred varieties of dryland birds
like the houbara bustard, spotted sandgrouse, common and
demmossile cranes, flamingoes, pelicans, ducks, storks, ibises
and other wetland birds. |
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Falcons, Larks, desert warbler, desert
wheatear, quails, francolins, Indian courser and other birds are
also available in plenty in the Little Rann of Kutch. It is also
the hunting ground of various raptors like the eagles, falcon,
harrier, vultures, white eyed buzzard, hawks, kites and
owlets. Lizards, Snakes, tortoises and saw scaled viper are some
of the principal reptiles that are also found in this sanctuary.
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Jungle Safari in the Park |
Watch towers,
a tourist complex and other tourist related facilities are
also available to enhance wildlife viewing in this unique
habitat. To view the wildlife one can have a jeep safari
in the Rann of Kutch. In the morning and evening one can
also view the breathtaking sunrise and sunset.
Best time to Visit the
Park
The best time to visit the Indian Wild Ass Wildlife
Sanctuary is between November and June.
Other attractions in the
Park
Besides the
safaris, one can also visit the ancient monuments and
inland salt works and other places of interest. One can
also enjoy the excursion to a typical Saurashtra village,
handloom weaving and dyeing units and the village potter.
For people interested in birds and photography, special
camouflaged boats are also provided.
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How to get here |
By Air:
The nearest airport is
located at Ahmedabad, which
is about 110 kms.
By Rail:
The nearest railway stations
are located at Virangam and Ahmedabad, which are about 110 and
45 kms. respectively.
By Road:
The Indian Wild Ass wildlife
sanctuary is connected to various cities in Gujarat. |
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