Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary
Presenting a unique eco-system in the northwest region of the Kutch District of Gujarat, the desert forest of the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is said to the only one of its kind in the country. Comprising of thorn and scrub forests spread over 444.23 square kilometers, these arid regions of the sanctuary is part of a seasonal wetland. These areas which are subject to extreme heat, high winds and frequent storms are home to over 252 species of flowering plants on a patchy landscape.
Fauna
Home to 14 species of mammals, 9 reptilian species and 6 types of snakes, the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is a good example of the survival of the fittest. Some of the prominent wildlife species in this sanctuary include blackbuck, caracal, desert cat, pangolin, porcupine, blue bull, Indian boar, Indian wolf, hare, striped hyena, peafowl, and the flagship threatened specie Chinkara, or the Indian gazelle. This endangered specie Chinkara, is the only one in the world having horns on both, the male and the female.
Avifauna
Home to 112 species of resident birds and 38 migrant species, the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is a major refuge of the Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Black Partridge, and 19 species of raptors. Other bird varieties sighted within the park include - Gray Francolin, Eurasian Collared, Dove, Indian Robin, Red-Vented Bulbul, Common Babbler, Greater Short-Toed Lark, Ortolan Bunting, Desert Warbler, White-Browed Fantail, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Sirkeer Malkoha, Yellow-Crowned Woodpecker.
The Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is located at a distance of 200 kilometers from Bhuj, the Kutch District headquarters which is very well connected by rail, road and air-link with the rest of the country.
