Previous Year Question

The Wild Ass Sanctuary is located in the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India. It is famous for the conservation of the Indian Wild Ass. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 4,953.71 square kilometres. It extends across Surendranagar, Patan, Kutch, and surrounding districts of Gujarat.

The Indian Wild Ass is locally known as Khur. Its scientific name is Equus hemionus khur. It is a subspecies of the Asiatic Wild Ass. The Little Rann of Kutch is the principal natural habitat of this subspecies. The primary objective of the sanctuary is to conserve its natural habitat, breeding areas, and biodiversity.

The geographical characteristic of this sanctuary is its Saline Desert and Seasonal Wetland Ecosystem. During the monsoon, extensive plains become flooded, while in the dry season, these areas transform into saline and dry plains. Apart from the Indian Wild Ass, the sanctuary also supports Nilgai, Wolves, Foxes, and migratory birds such as Flamingos.

The Wild Ass Sanctuary was established in 1973. It is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India. The Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is particularly known for the conservation of the Indian Wild Ass, whereas the Great Rann of Kutch is famous for its extensive white salt desert.