Kutch Wilderness

Kutch occupies 45652 sq km area, i.e. almost 23% of the total land area of Gujarat state. Kutch is one of the most unique areas not only in Gujarat but in the entire country for the sheer variety of ecosystems it harbours, e.g. Desert thorn forest, Scrub land, marshy vegetation, saline banks, the Rann, saline grassland, wetland, creek, upland, etc. Such diversity in habitat provides shelter to a variety of flora & fauna species. Most of the area in Kutch has vast grasslands with scrub vegetation of Acacia senegal, Acacia leucopholea, Acacia nilotica, Zizyphus sp, Salvadora sp, Euphorbia sp, Balanites sp, Capparis sp, etc.

The grasslands (donnes) in the vicinity of Tera, Bara, Kunakhia and Naliya along with rolling hills support a number of endangered mammals like Caracal, Desert Cat, Honey Badger, Indian Wolf, Indian Striped Hyena, Chinkara and Indian Fox. This area is also one of the best places to find the Spiny-tailed Lizard. The area is shared by avifauna like Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Indian Courser, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Black Francolin, Eurasian Thick-knee, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, etc. The dry river canyons in the surrounding are excellent breeding habitats for Eurasian Eagle Owl. White-naped Tit is known to breed in this area. Sightings of migratory species like Macqueen’s Bustard, Steppe Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier and Cream-coloured Courser are not uncommon.

Threats

Anthropological pressures like conversion of grasslands for agriculture, uncontrolled grazing by livestock, depletion of the ground water table due to overuse and use of inorganic pesticides and fertilizers have taken a heavy toll on these prime wildlife habitats. Lack of proper mapping of these wilderness areas make matters worse from the conservation perspective. The installation of wind energy farms in the vicinity of Naliya Bustard Sanctuary create disturbance for the endangered wildlife of the area. The overall development of the area has resulted in better road conditions and enhanced traffic movement. This has resulted in the increased incidences of road kills of wildlife not to mention the ‘hunting parties’ organised by locals for killing Chinkaras, Hares and game birds.

Kutch Ecological Research Centre has initiated flora-fauna surveys in Abdasa and surrounding areas of Banni grasslands and Chharidhund wetland. KERC campus has developed basic facilities for lodging and boarding of serious wildlife lovers and birding enthusiasts . Since 2006, KERC has been hosting nature lovers from India and abroad on a regular basis. KERC campus is very close to wildlife hotspots like Naliya Bustard Sanctuary, Chari-Fulay wetlands, Tera grasslands, Sonari hills and Jakhau coastal mudflats. KERC also encourages village walks in Tera, which was declared as a heritage village.

The nature lovers interested in exploring the wilderness of Kutch are welcome to contact the KERC team for local logistical arrangements. Those interested may please write to us on info@corbettfoundation.org.