Overview
The Little Rann of Kutch covering 5000 sq km/1930 sq miles of area in Gujarat might seem somewhat of a misnomer in that amount of area is definitely not small. But when it's compared to it's next-door neighbor, the Greater Rann of Kutch with an area of 7500 sq km/2895 sq miles, it becomes clear.
The word "rann" means a desert of salt and it's been said driving into the Little Rann of Kutch that is what you see. Around you is cracked ground with dry, parched earth in all directions. But looking further you find it's the home of the Wild Ass Sanctuary which is a sanctuary for just what it says, the Indian Wild Ass. The habitat changes with marshlands appearing with patches of soil and small shrubs. In addition to the Indian Wild Ass, or ghudkar as it's called locally, it also supports a wider range of wildlife, all of which is there for the viewing of the visitor. [3]
Birds
Notable Species
The Lesser Flamingo comes here in winter to lay eggs and raise chicks. Large numbers of Demoiselle Crane can usually be seen at some locations.[3]
Among the 314 species reported as having been sighted here, there are19 globally threatened species recorded as well. In addition, the Rock Bush-Quail, Rufous-tailed Lark, and Tawny Lark have been recorded here as endemic species to the country or region.[1]
Rarities
The Greater Hoopoe-Lark has been deemed as a rare species here with it frequenting the islands, or bets, of the Rann. It's brown plumage helps it camouflage itself on the ground of the area since there isn't much in the way of structure for hiding..[3][4]
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Knob-billed Duck, Gray Francolin, Great Crested Grebe, Laughing Dove, Pied Cuckoo, Savanna Nightjar, Baillon's Crake, Indian Thick-knee, Caspian Plover, Dunlin, Indian Courser, Brown-headed Gull, Great Cormorant, Purple Heron, Osprey, Hen Harrier, Spotted Owlet, Black-capped Kingfisher, Indian Roller, Eurasian Hobby, Plum-headed Parakeet, Common Woodshrike, Red-backed Shrike, Common Raven, Oriental Skylark, Ashy Prinia, Blyth's Reed Warbler, Barn Swallow, Himalayan Bulbul, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Myna, Desert Wheatear, Indian Silverbill, Long-billed Pipit, White-capped Bunting
Other Wildlife
In addition to bird species that may be seen here, a visitor to the Little Rann might get to see the ghudkar, as the Indian Wild Ass is sometimes called locally. Also a small, shy animal called the white-footed fox is another possibility as well as species of jungle cat and jackal.[3]
Site Information
History and Use
India in, and of, itself abounds in history and historical significance. This is evidenced by their many temples and shrines to various gods and deities that have existed for hundreds of years. A time spent in seeking to learn of this wealth of history to be found here will not have been wasted. [5]
Areas of Interest
Wild Ass Sanctuary
An area of approximately 5000 sq km/ 1930 sq miles adjoining the Little Rann of Kutch, the Wild Ass Sanctuary is said to be home to the last of the Indian Wild Ass. [6]
Temples
The temples of the area offer both a chance to observe birds and other wildlife as well as absorb some of the history inherent in them.
Salt Pans
A chance to observe an age-old method of salt harvesting that has been handed down over the years.
Nearby Areas of Interest
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is an area of approximately 7500 sq km/ 2895 sq miles in the nearby Greater Rann of Kutch with a varied habitat and species available to an inquisitive visiting birder.
Access and Facilities
Consult a trusted travel professional for good, specific, and up-to-date information regarding travel to this area as well as reliable information for what to do after your arrival.
References
- Lepage D. (2020) Little Rann of Kutch Bird Checklist - Avibase - Bird Checklists of the World. Retrieved 17 November 2020
- eBird – Little Rann of Kutch - https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4084081
- NatGeo Traveller – India - http://www.natgeotraveller.in/desert-safaris-temples-and-stepwells-at-the-little-rann-of-kutch/
- Birding in Gujarat - https://birdingingujarat.wordpress.com/2016/08/07/greater-hoopoe-lark-in-little-rann-of-kutch/
- Personal observations of Bird Forum member
- Trip Savvy – Wild Ass Sanctuary - https://www.tripsavvy.com/wild-ass-sanctuary-travel-guide-1539874
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Little Rann of Kutch. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 20 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Little_Rann_of_Kutch
Maps
