Little Rann of Kutch

Rann, in Hindi, Gujarati or Marathi, means a desert. So, the little Rann of Kutch can be translated as Little Desert of Kutch. Located in the extreme NW of Gujarat, along with the Greater Rann of Kutch, it forms one of the largest salt water and mud plains in India. The weather here is extremely hot and humid. However, in winter months after the monsoons the vast plains with a number of water bodies, are full of life-giving fresh water.

There are several bird sanctuaries in the region surrounding the Rann of Kutch, teaming with migratory birds from the northern climes. All of this makes the plains an excellent place for bird-watchers. LRK is also designated as the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, the only refuge of the magnificent Wild Ass.

My visit to Kutch was came through only due the efforts and planning by childhood friends Dilip, Nikhil (his brother) and Manoj. Kutch can be reached from Mumbai via Ahmedabad. These cities are well connected by road, rail and air transport. On this trip, we covered LRK, Nal Sarvovar and Thol Bird Sanctuary, in two hectic days, travelling from the crack of dawn till late at night. Thanks to Dilip and Nikhil Shah.

From Ahmedabad, we started off at 0530 hours in a Tavera. SUVs/jeeps are the best means of transport in the plains of LRK , as a cars would be unable to handle the internal roads. Jeeps are also of great utility in traversing across the mud-flats, in search of the rare Indian Wild Ass.

The Wild Ass looks akin to a hybrid of a horse and an ass, but much better in appearance. It has a light reddish-brown upper body, with white under-parts and dark mane of hair over the head. It is extremely agile and moves around the plains in large groups, comprising of a dominant male, several females and juveniles. It has been clocked galloping at speeds in excess of 60kmph.  The grasslands and shrublands dotting the plains provide the ass with adequate food. Occasionally, large groups also raid the surrounding fields to forage on the crops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quick facts:
Name: Indian Wild Ass
Alternate names: Khur, Gadhedo (Gujarathi)
It is a protected species under the Indian Wildlife Act.
Found exclusively in the Kutch region

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