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Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary - BirdForum Opus


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India, Gujarat

Overview

Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary might be construed to the casual visitor as nothing more than an expanse of sandy habitat with nothing much to offer. But should they take a moment to look under the surface, a different picture might emerge.

This is a large area of approximately 7500 sq km/ 2895 sq miles in the greater Rann of Kutch about 320 km/ 198 miles from Ahmedabad and 110 km/ 68 miles from Bhuj that can be reached by driving, should a visitor so choose.

The habitat is varied with the Sanctuary having, within it's boundaries, wetlands mudflats, shoreline, forested and coastal areas in addition to the barren and sandy areas.

A number of sanctuaries and similar locations are in this area, one of which is the largest nesting and breeding areas for flamingoes in Gujarat.

A good variety of species of wildlife might be found here.

And if solitude might happen to be the goal, it's been said a person visiting this area could expect to be able to pitch a tent and live in solitude for a day, or so, living off the land as the locals do with no one the wiser.

This sanctuary is nature, but in a sense different from the norm. [2]

Birds

Notable Species

Notable for the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary might be more appropriately it's relatively low number of species reported here. There have been only 24 species reported as sighted here with 1 species considered as globally threatened and 1 considered as endemic to the country or region.[1]

But it claims the largest breeding/nesting areas for flamingoes in Gujarat.[2]

Notable here can include the ability to offer a chance at isolating one's self for a day, or days, and to be able to experience a sense of living with nature in a way few other places are likely to offer.

Rarities

No rarities have been noted for this location as of 5 November 2020.

Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

Eurasian Collared-Dove, Indian Nightjar, Alpine Swift, Cream-colored Courser, Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Montagu's Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Long-legged Buzzard, Pallid Scops-Owl, Rock Eagle-Owl, Spotted Owlet, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Eurasian Kestrel, Merlin, Eurasian Hobby, Bay-backed Shrike, White-naped Tit, Greater Hoopoe-Lark, Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Isabelline Wheatear, Variable Wheatear, Hypocolius, Common Rosefinch

Other Wildlife

Within it's boundaries, the Sanctuary visitor might encounter wildlife such as blackbucks, chinkaras, nilgai, and wild asses. Also, hyenas, wolves, foxes, jungle cats, and species of reptiles.[2]

Site Information

History and Use

Discovery of the history of the Sanctuary area is an ongoing process as evidenced by an archaeological centered area called Dholavira, which has been called a repository of a 5000 year old Harappan civilization.[2]

Areas of Interest

Flamingo City – A flamingo nesting and breeding area in Khadir Bat, in the mudflats area.

Dholavira – An archaeological interest area in Khadir Bat.

Wild Ass Sanctuary - A sanctuary adjacent to Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary [2]

Access and Facilities

This sanctuary is close to the Pakistani border, in the greater Rann of Kutch, about 320 km/ 198 miles from Ahmedabad and 110 km/ 68 miles from Bhuj and can be reached by driving, should a visitor so choose.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad, Bhuj Airport (BHJ), and the Civil Enclave Jamnagar (JGA) are the closest airports to this location. .[2]

Consult a trusted travel professional for current, specific, and up-to-date information regarding travel to this area.

Contact Details

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References

  1. Lepage D. (2020) Nnwgj25 Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Bird Checklist - Avibase - Bird Checklists of the World. Retrieved 5 November 2020
  2. Gujarat Expert - https://www.gujaratexpert.com/kutch-desert-wildlife-sanctuary/


Recommended Citation

External Links

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Maps

  1. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary on OpenStreetMaps



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