Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Great Rann of Kutch of Gujarat, India. The sanctuary encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, including desert, saline wetlands, mudflats, and hilly islands.
It is one of the largest seasonal saline wetlands in the world and is known for its unique ecological features, including the "Flamingo City," where thousands of greater flamingos nest and breed during their breeding season. The seasonal wetlands of the sanctuary attract numerous migratory bird species, making it an important stopover point along their migration routes.
The sanctuary was established to protect not only the breeding grounds of flamingos but also to conserve a wide range of wildlife species that inhabit the area. These include various water birds, mammals, reptiles, and more, making the sanctuary a hotspot for biodiversity.
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Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Great Rann of Kutch, in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. The northern boundary of the sanctuary forms the international border between India and Pakistan.
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is the Bhuj Airport (BHU), located in Bhuj, Gujarat, India. The distance between Bhuj Airport and the sanctuary is approximately 110 kilometers.
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is the Bhuj Railway Station, also located in Bhuj, Gujarat. The sanctuary is accessible from Bhuj by road.
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary has an interesting history tied to its establishment and conservation efforts. Here's a brief overview of its history:
Establishment as a Sanctuary: The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary on May 15, 1986. The establishment of the sanctuary was aimed at conserving and protecting the unique and diverse ecosystem of the area, including its saline wetlands, mudflats, and associated wildlife.
Importance for Flamingo Breeding: One of the key factors contributing to the sanctuary's establishment was its role as a crucial breeding ground for greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus). The "Flamingo City" within the sanctuary, located in the mudflats of the Great Rann, attracts thousands of greater flamingos during their breeding season. This phenomenon drew attention to the need for conservation efforts to protect this important breeding habitat.
Harappan Civilization and Archaeology: The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary area also holds historical and archaeological significance. The ancient city of Dholavira, associated with the Harappan civilization, is located within the sanctuary's bounds. This archaeological site adds to the unique character of the sanctuary, attracting both wildlife enthusiasts and archaeologists.
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary covers an extensive area of approximately 7,506.22 square kilometers. This makes it one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India in terms of its size. The sanctuary is located in the Great Rann of Kutch, within the Kutch district of Gujarat, India.
The vast expanse of the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including seasonal saline wetlands, mudflats, desert areas, and hilly islands. These diverse habitats contribute to the sanctuary's importance for both wildlife and ecological conservation.
The sanctuary's significant area allows for the conservation and protection of various species of wildlife, particularly birds and mammals, that inhabit and migrate to the region. Additionally, the presence of the "Flamingo City" and the archaeological site of the ancient city of Dholavira further contribute to the sanctuary's unique character and cultural importance.
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary features several hills and rocky outcrops that add to the diversity of its landscape. These hills provide unique habitats for different types of flora and fauna. Here are some of the notable hills within or near the sanctuary:
(1) Kala Dungar:
Also known as the Black Hill, Kala Dungar is one of the prominent hills within the sanctuary. It represents the highest point (438 meters) in the sanctuary and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Kala Dungar offers a vantage point to observe the vast expanse of the Great Rann of Kutch and the seasonal wetlands.
(2) Goro Dungar:
This hill is slightly shorter and narrower than Kala Dungar and is also part of the sanctuary's landscape. It, too, contributes to the variety of habitats available for wildlife.
(3) Chhapariya Dungar:
Located on Khadir bet, Chhapariya Dungar is another hill that is part of the sanctuary's landscape. It overlooks the mudflats of the Great Rann and provides additional habitat for various species.
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by its unique and diverse flora that has adapted to the challenging desert and saline wetland environment. Here are some examples of the flora that can be found in the sanctuary:
(i) Saline-Tolerant Plants: The sanctuary's ecosystem includes a variety of plants that are adapted to high salinity levels in the soil. These plants have developed mechanisms to thrive in the saline conditions, such as excreting excess salt through their leaves.
(ii) Prosopis chilensis: Also known as Chilean mesquite, this tree is well-suited to arid and semi-arid environments. It has deep roots that can tap into underground water sources.
(iii) Gugal (Commiphora wightii) and Thor (Euphorbia nivulia): These are two types of plants commonly found in arid regions. Gugal, also known as Indian bdellium, is a resin-producing tree, while Thor is a succulent shrub that is adapted to dry conditions.
(iv) Gorad (Dichrostachys cinerea): A thorny shrub commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions of India, it is important for soil stabilization.
(v) Kerdo (Capparis decidua): Also known as kair, this plant is known for its edible fruits and is well-suited to arid conditions.
(vi) Various Grasses and Shrubs: The sanctuary's landscape may include various grasses and shrubs that have evolved to survive in the desert and saline wetland environment.
(vii) Halophytes: Halophytes are plants that are adapted to saline conditions. They can tolerate high levels of salt in the soil and water, making them well-suited to the sanctuary's environment.
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Which are the major species of Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna that have adapted to the challenging desert, saline wetland, and seasonal environments. Here are some examples of the fauna that can be found within the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Indian Wild Ass
- Indian Gazelle (Chinkara)
- Striped Hyaena
- Desert Fox
- Indian Fox
- Indian Wolf
- Caracal
- Nilgai
- Wild Boar
- Indian Porcupine
- Rufous-tailed Hare
- Indian Pangolin
- Ruddy Mongoose
- Desert Hedgehog
- Pale Hedgehog
Birds:
- Greater Flamingo
- Lesser Flamingo
- Rosy Pelican
- Black-necked Stork
- Great White Pelican
- Eurasian Spoonbill
- Demoiselle Crane
- Houbara Bustard
- Indian Courser
- Sandgrouse
Reptiles:
- Snakes
- Spiny-tailed Lizard
- Desert Monitor
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which place?
A. The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Great Rann of Kutch, within the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. The sanctuary covers a vast area within this region, which is known for its unique desert, saline wetland, and seasonal ecosystems. The sanctuary's diverse habitats support a wide range of wildlife and make it an important conservation area in India.
Q. What is the name of Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is colloquially known as the "Flamingo City" due to its significance as a breeding ground for greater and lesser flamingos. These majestic birds congregate in large numbers during their breeding season, creating a spectacular sight that has earned the sanctuary its nickname. The presence of thousands of flamingos nesting and breeding in this area has contributed to its unique and renowned status as the "Flamingo City."
Q. Which sanctuary of Gujarat is the largest sanctuary in area?
A. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary (7,506.22 square kilometers).
Q. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for which animal?
A. The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for being a significant breeding ground for flamingos, particularly greater and lesser flamingos. The sanctuary is colloquially known as the "Flamingo City" due to the large numbers of flamingos that congregate there during their breeding season.
These elegant birds create a stunning visual spectacle as they nest and breed in the mudflats and wetlands of the sanctuary. The sanctuary's importance for flamingo breeding has garnered international attention and made it a notable destination for birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and researchers.
Q. What is the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Flamingo Breeding Ground: The sanctuary is renowned for being a significant breeding ground for greater and lesser flamingos. Thousands of these elegant birds congregate in the sanctuary's mudflats and wetlands during their breeding season, creating a visually stunning and unique spectacle. This has earned the sanctuary the colloquial name of "Flamingo City."
(ii) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including various bird species, mammals, and reptiles. Its unique combination of desert and wetland habitats supports a wide range of flora and fauna, making it an important area for biodiversity conservation.
(iii) Seasonal Wetlands: The sanctuary's seasonal saline wetlands and mudflats are crucial habitats for migratory birds, making it a significant stopover point during their annual migrations. This has led to its recognition as an important site for avian conservation.
(iv) Archaeological Significance: The sanctuary is also associated with historical and archaeological importance. The ancient city of Dholavira, linked to the Harappan civilization, is located within the sanctuary's bounds, adding to its cultural significance.
(v) Unique Ecosystems: The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary features a blend of desert, saline wetland, and seasonal habitats. This combination of environments provides a distinctive landscape that attracts both wildlife enthusiasts and researchers interested in studying desert ecology.
(vi) Tourism and Ecotourism: The sanctuary's remarkable features have led to its popularity as a destination for eco-tourism and wildlife tourism. Visitors come to witness the breathtaking sight of flamingos and other bird species, as well as to explore the sanctuary's diverse ecosystems.
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