Top 20 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Gujarat: An Informative Guide

Introduction: Wildlife Sanctuaries in Gujarat

Gujarat, a state rich in biodiversity, is home to numerous wildlife sanctuaries that protect a variety of flora and fauna. For exam aspirants and general knowledge seekers, understanding these sanctuaries is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers the top wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat, including the Wild Ass Sanctuary, Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary. Explore their unique features, key species, and significance for exam preparation.

List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Gujarat

Wild Ass Sanctuary

• Location: Little Rann of Kutch (a vast salt desert)
• Area: 4,953 sq km
• Established: 1972
• Notable Species: Indian Wild Ass, Greater Flamingos, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Demoiselle Crane
• Indian Wild Ass:
  • The sanctuary is home to the last remaining population of Indian Wild Ass, also known as Khur.
  • These animals are critically endangered and are a major attraction of the sanctuary.
  • The sanctuary plays a crucial role in the conservation of the Indian Wild Ass.
  • Efforts include habitat protection and monitoring of the wild ass population.
• Bird Species:
  • Bird watchers can spot a variety of species, especially during the winter months.
  • Notable birds include Greater Flamingos, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, and Demoiselle Crane.

Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Narmada
• Area: 607.7 sq km
• Established: 1982
• Key Species: Sloth Bear, Leopard, Rhesus Macaque
• Unique Fact: Named after the Shoolpaneshwar Temple located within the sanctuary.

Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Porbandar

• Location: Porbandar
• Area: 192.31 sq km
• Established: 1979
• Key Species: Chinkara, Sambar, Leopard
• Unique Fact: Known for its hilly terrain and diverse vegetation.

Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Dahod

• Location: Dahod
• Area: 56.13 sq km
• Established: 1981
• Key Species: Sloth Bear, Leopard, Hyena
• Unique Fact: Famous for its significant population of sloth bears.

Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary, Junagadh

• Location: Junagadh
• Area: 18.22 sq km
• Established: 2004
• Key Species: Asiatic Lion, Chital, Wild Boar
• Unique Fact: Acts as a corridor for lions moving from Gir National Park.

Pania Wildlife Sanctuary, Amreli

• Location: Amreli
• Area: 39.63 sq km
• Established: 1989
• Key Species: Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Chinkara
• Unique Fact: Part of the Gir Lion Conservation Project.

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Banaskantha

• Location: Banaskantha
• Area: 180.66 sq km
• Established: 1978
• Key Species: Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Blue Bull
• Unique Fact: Named after Jessore Hill, a significant landmark.

Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, Panchmahal

• Location: Panchmahal
• Area: 130.38 sq km
• Established: 1990
• Key Species: Leopard, Sloth Bear, Four-horned Antelope
• Unique Fact: Known for its scenic landscape and rich biodiversity.

Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Dang

• Location: Dang
• Area: 160.8 sq km
• Established: 1990
• Key Species: Leopard, Indian Giant Squirrel, Hyena
• Unique Fact: Part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.

Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary, Devbhoomi Dwarka

• Location: Devbhoomi Dwarka
• Area: 332.87 sq km
• Established: 1988
• Key Species: Spotted Deer, Jackal, Indian Fox
• Unique Fact: A coastal sanctuary; known for its diverse bird population.

Kutch Desert Sanctuary, Kutch

• Location: Kutch
• Area: 7,505 sq km
• Established: 1986
• Key Species: Wild Ass, Desert Fox, Chinkara
• Unique Fact: Largest wildlife sanctuary in India.

Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Morbi

• Location: Morbi
• Area: 15.01 sq km
• Established: 1988
• Key Species: Blue Bull, Chinkara, Wolf
• Unique Fact: Small but rich in biodiversity.

Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary, Banaskantha

• Location: Banaskantha
• Area: 542.08 sq km
• Established: 1989
• Key Species: Sloth Bear, Leopard, Striped Hyena
• Unique Fact: Known for its scenic landscapes and temples.

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary, Rajkot

• Location: Rajkot
• Area: 6.54 sq km
• Established: 1980
• Key Species: Chinkara, Blue Bull, Wolf
• Unique Fact: Focuses on nature education and awareness.

The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Kutch

• Location: Kutch
• Area: 2 sq km
• Established: 1992
• Key Species: Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Chinkara
• Unique Fact: Dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Ahmedabad

• 15th Century Origin:
  • The lake at Nalsarovar was formed in the 15th century due to the construction of a check dam across the Sabarmati River.
• Protected Area:
  • In 1969, the Gujarat government officially declared Nalsarovar a bird sanctuary to protect its avian population.
• Recognition:
  • In 2012, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary was designated as a Ramsar site, highlighting its ecological significance as a wetland habitat.
• Bird Species:
  • Nalsarovar is home to more than 250 bird species, including both resident and migratory birds.
  • Notable Species: Pelicans, Flamingos, Egrets, Herons, Cranes

Porbandar Bird Sanctuary

• Location: Porbandar
• Area: 1 square kilometer
• Established: Established in 1988, the sanctuary was created to protect the diverse bird species
• Bird Species:
  • The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of bird species, both resident and migratory.
  • Water Birds: Flamingos, Ducks, Geese, Cormorants, Herons
  • Shore Birds: Avocets, Gulls, Terns
  • Others: Cranes, Ibis, Spoonbills, Jacanas.

Thol Lake Sanctuary, Ahmedabad

• Construction:
  • Thol Lake was originally constructed in 1912 as an irrigation tank by the Gaekwad regime.
  • The lake was intended to support irrigation for local farmers and has established user rights for its water.
• Location: Near Ahmedabad
• Area: 7 sq km
• Established: Declared a bird sanctuary in 1988
• Notable Species: Sarus Crane, Flamingos, Pelicans, and over 160 bird species. The sanctuary is home to several endangered species, including the Sarus Crane and various species of flamingos and pelicans.

Khijadia Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar

• Location: Near Jamnagar
• Established: In 1981, this region was proclaimed a bird sanctuary, recognizing its ecological significance.
• Bird Species:
  • Khijadia is home to more than 220 species of birds.
  • Notable Species: Pelicans, Flamingos, Spoonbills, Ducks, Egrets, Herons.
• Recognition:
  • On February 2nd, 2022, World Wetlands Day, Khijadia Bird Sanctuary was recognized as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

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