Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat

Also known as the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1972. Spread over a massive 4,954 square kilometer area, it was recognized as a protected area in 1973. The Rann of Kutch is a huge saline desert which literally gets flooded during monsoon for about a month. Dotted with several elevated plateaus or islands locally known as 'Bets', these areas are covered with grass and feed the animals who take shelter on these plots. Home to the endangered Indian Wild Ass sub-species of the Onager, the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat State is one of the last remaining places where this animal is now found.

The Indian Wild Ass

Locally called the 'Ghud Khar', the Indian Wild Ass, which can stand mid-day temperatures around 45 degrees Celsius without any shelter amidst the desert, is one of the sturdiest animals in the world. They are found to move about either singly or in herds of 10 to 30, in search of fodder and sweet water and only resting during hot afternoons. They generally eat what they get, and the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary provides them with scrubby grass and pods.

Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary Safaris

Various jeep excursions at specific timings in the mornings and evenings are available from Dhrangadhra, Patadi and Zainabad. Camel rides specializing in bird-watching are also available for visitors during the winter season. Viramgam Railway Station is the nearest railhead and effective base which is also conveniently approachable by road. However, a comfortable vehicle and a knowledgeable guide is absolutely essential on your tour to the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary of Kutch in Gujarat.