(i) (a) dense grassland -757 ha, (b) sparse grassland -991 ha,
(ii) Prosopis shrubland-505 ha,
(iii) Saline lands-513 ha,
(iv) high tidal mudflats-508 ha.

 

Significance

    The forests of the sanctuary play an important role in conserving the depleting eco-system of Aravalis and in controlling the southward expansion of Thar desert. The forest areas, interspersed with numerous hills and hillocks form the watershed for Dantiwada and Dharoi dams of north Gujarat. It also constitutes part of the catchment areas of Sabarmati and Banas, which are two important rivers of north Gujarat. The ecological boundaries of the sanctuary get amalgamated with forests of Rajasthan State in the north and spreads into agricultural fields all around providing ecological security and ameliorated environment to the semi arid region of North Gujarat which is threatened by expanding desert.

Flora

    This unique ecosystem harbours 483 specie of plants including 107 trees, 58 shrubs, 219 herbs, 49 climbers, 40 grasses and 10 species of lower plants. The floral constituents of the sanctuary are classified into Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous and Desert Thorn forests. The top canopy and under storey are not very will defined in the forests of the sanctuary.
    The major species found in the area included Boswellia serrata, Anogeissus spp, Sterculia urens, Lannea spp, Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Wrightia spp, Aegle marmelos, Holoptelia integrifolia, Terminalia spp, Syzygium cuminii, Acacia catechu, Dendrocalamus strictus, Acacia spp, Zlzyphus spp, Pongamia pinnata and Butea monosperma. Almost pure pockets of Boswellia, Lannea and Anogeissus are quite conspicuous in various parts of the sanctuary. Atleast 11 floral specie of global importance as per the IUCN classification are found in this sanctuary.
 

About the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary hardly has 192.31 sq. km area, but has one of the most diverse floral compositions and therefore a potential source of remedies of many ailments, Barda indeed is borrowed from our children and therefore deserves to be safeguarded for them. The terrain of Barda is almost hilly and undulating with an altitude ranging from 79.2 m to 617.8 m. above mean sea level. At places, there are gentle slopes with exposed rocks. The two main ephemeral rivers are Bileshvary and Joghri. Khambala and Fodara are important dams in the Sanctuary.

The area supports 750 'maldhari' families (4000 people) in 68 'nesses'. The agriculture fields and wasteland, where acute water scarcity is experienced during the summer months, surround the forest area. However, this green patch of forest, provides ecological security and environmental stability, since it improves the water regime of the area by recharging the ground water and forming catchment for the minor dams in the Sanctuary. Located barely at distance of 15 km from the Arabian Sea, the forest is standing as the guard against the salinity ingress in the region. The forest is endowed with very rich floral composition and it was also a home of Asiatic lion in not a distant past. Kileshwar, a temple and camping site developed by 'Jamsaheb' of Jamnagar, is a beautiful site in the heart of the forest. Amongst the mammals ratel, leopard and wolf are threatened. Amongst the reptiles found here, crocodile and chameleon are rare and endangered. Of the four common venomous snakes, three are found here. The avifaunal species also displays high diversity. At least two species of birds, which were found in the Sanctuary, are rare/ endangered. They are Spotted Eagle and Crested Hawk-Eagle.

The Gaga Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is situated on the coast of the Gulf of Kutch, where the high tidal zone constitutes the boundary in the north. The cultivated fields and wastelands surround the Sanctuary. It covers an area of 332.87 ha of Gaga village of Kalyanpur taluka in Jamnagar district. It includes two plots of land (having different survey numbers) separated by agriculture land and wasteland in between. The Sanctuary was notified under the Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

About the Sanctuary

The area has derived a high conservation value due to the rare sightings of the endangered Great Indian Bustard in the saline grassland of this area. Besides the bustard, the Sanctuary also supports different terrestrial birds and some wild mammals. Dr. Salim Ali had sighted bustard in this area in 1976, but the bird has a doubtful existence now. The area comprises of grasslands intermixed with saline scrubs. Prosopis scrubland, saline grassland and high tidal zone are the major features of this protected habitat.

Flora

Prosopis juliflora has colonized a large area of the Sanctuary. Capparis sp. (Kerdo), Acacia senegal (Gorad), Salvadora sp. (Piloo) are the other main tree/shrub species. Cyperus sp., Sporobolus, Dichantheum sp. and Suaeda sp. constitute the major ground flora.
   

Three to five Great Indian Bustards may be surviving in the area. The birds are seen during rainy season. Birds like larks, partridges and sand grouses are also seen in the area. The Sanctuary and the surrounding areas support wild mammals like wolf, jackal, mongoose, jungle cat and the bluebull.
   

People of Gaga and other local villages depend on the area for grazing their livestock. The Sanctuary is facing several problems. Invasion of the Prosopis juliflora and degradation of the grassland habitat are the major problems of the area. There is hardly any effort to protect the area. People utilise the land for grazing their livestock. The Sanctuary is divided into two parts, which are separated by the distance of about two kilometers. This makes management a difficult task. Frequent droughts, scarcity of water and salinity ingress are other severe problems. There are no water sources in the area. Settlement works are incomplete. On the whole, the status of management is very poor due to the nature of the area and the problems associated with the use of the land. The number of bustards has declined due to ecosystem degradation. Invasion of Prosopis juliflora, which engulfs the grassland and heavy grazing pressure, are factors most responsible for ecosystem degradation.

CONSERVATION VALUES

    • Largest compact tract of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of the country.
    • Last home of "Asiatic Lions" Panthera leo persica, last surviving 'gene pool' in nature on the earth.
    • Rich biodiversity area supporting large number of species including several endangered species.
    • Highest concentration of top carnivores-lions and leopards (over 500), and possibly the single largest population of marsh crocodiles in the country
    • Catchments area of seven major rivers, which sustains economic prosperity of this drought prone region
    • Ecological security and environmental amelioration for the region; climate water, salinity prevention and pollution absorption
    • Important biological research area with considerable scientific, educational, aesthetic and recreational values
    • Mother of cultural and religious evolution in Saurashtra

GIR INTERPRETATION ZONE, DEVALIA

Earlier lion shows were being arranged for the benefits of tourists visiting Gir. However, this practice was found be cumbersome and deleterious for the lions andstaff. Therefore, no lion shows are being arranged now. At present, Gir Sanctuary and National Park is not divided into various zones and there is no definite tourism zone. However to reduce disturbance from tourism in the main sanctuary and National Park area and to facilitate understanding of tourist about Gir and its wildlife, an Interpretation Zone has been created at Devalia. The Interpretative Zone comprises of 412 ha. Of chain link fenced lion area which is Gir in a nutshell covering all habitat types and wildlife of Gir. It also provided with a feeding cum living cage for carnivores and double gate entry point. The basic aim of creating this facility is to provide an opportunity to viewing lions and other animals in their natural habitats within a short period and to reduce tourist pressure in the tourism zone. At present there are about 90 to 100 spotted deer, 100 to 110 bluebull, 10 to 15 wildboar, 5 sambar, 5 blackbuck along with other mammals and reptilians in the zone. A good variety of avifauna is also spotted in the area. Introduction of a few more wild species is under consideration.

NATURE EDUCATION

 It is public opinion that helps the conservation movement in the long run. Therefore several public awareness programmes have been taken up by the Forest Department of which organizing Forest Youth clubs and their activities and education camps and the town prominent activities. First NEC in Gujarat state was started in Gir in 1976 at Sasan. Public comprising of diverse groups with diverse interest have their role in wildlife management. It is necessary to gain widespread supports at all levels of the people, Maldharis, local villagers, students, urban population and professionals are selected as target groups for NEC. There are about 125 Forest Youth Clubs in the Junagadh district. Approximately 90 nature education camps are organized in a year for imparting awareness among about 4800 participants. Advanced trainers camps are also conducted with an objective to train nature conservation enthusiasts for developing capabilities Nature Education Camps.

LION BREEDING PROGRAMME

Gir is only the home for pure Asiatic Lion. A breeding centre has been established in the Sakkarbaug Zoo with an objective to study the Asiatic lion and supply of pure Asiatic lion to various zoos in the country and abroad. It has bread 180 lions in captivity. Sp far 126 lions were given to various zoos both in India and abroad. Continuously observation about biological behavior of lions is of immense help for enhancing knowledge and improving management practices for the species.

DIRECT BENEFITS FROM GIR PA

    • Nearly 50 lakh kg. Of grass are harvested every year for scarcity.
    • More than 10,000 livestock of maldharies and 4,200 livestock’s of forest settlers entirely dependent on forest.
    • Nearly 1 lakh livestock of peripheral villagers are partially dependent on forest.
    • From non-reserve vidis, grass is provided to Panchayats and Panjarapoles.
    • In sum, therefore, grass worth Rs. 50 crores (approx.) is provided annually to different target groups.
    • Nearly 15,000 MT fuel wood is collected by the villagers, Maldharis and in forest settlers from Gir forest annually.
    • Approximately 1 lakh mandays are generated annually through different works being carried out in Gir ecological unit.
    • A major wildlife tourist center, neared by 60,000 tourists visits Gir annually.
    • Approximately 106 MCM of water through 3 reservoirs of Gir are provided annually for irrigation and drinking.
    • Besides departmental infrastructure facilities for tourism, approx. 100 families are earning their means of livelihood directly from tourism industry.
    • Dam outside Gir on rivers originating from Gir like Shetrunji, is providing drinking water upto Palitana and Bhavnagar

Surrounded by rainfed, dry, low fertility, shallow revenue land from all sides and no other forest in the vicinity, Hingolgadh Nature Education Protected Area is the Sanctuary with a unique significance. The Sanctuary is the only of its kind (i.e. specially meant for nature education) in the entire country. The area is surrounded by six revenue villages. An area of 654 ha was declared as a Sanctuary in August 1980. The Sanctuary is managed for the purpose of organising nature education camps.

Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Halol and Jambughoda talukas of Panchmahals district and Sankheda taluka of Vadodara district.

 

Originally the area was a reserve forest having extent of 130.38 sq. km, which was constituted as Sanctuary in 1990. After commencement of Wildlife (Protection) Act amendment in 1991, the area is deemed to be declared as a Sanctuary under Section 26 (A). Area of the Sanctuary is surrounded by forest and revenue villages. Terrain of the Sanctuary is hilly and undulating.

About the Sanctuary

    This is one of the good forest areas in Chhotaudepur division. It is also an important area for nature education and environmental awareness camps. The forest plays important ecological and hydrological roles of constituting catchment of small rivers, preventing soil erosion and maintaining health of the watershed. It also plays socio-economic role by satisfying basic needs of tribal communities living in and around the Sanctuary. Local tribals collect minor forest produce from the area for their livelihood.
    Terrain of the area is undulating to hilly. As per Champion & Seth, 1968), the forest cover is constituted by dry teak forest (5A/C1b), southern dry mixed deciduous forest (5A/C3), Butea forest (5/E5), southern dry tropical riverain forest (5/1S1), dry deciduous scrub (5/DS1) and secondary dry deciduous forest (5/2S1). Teak forest occupies major part of the Sanctuary.

Flora

    Tectona grandis (Sag), Tenninalia crenulata (Sadad),. Dalbergia latifolia (Sisham), Acacia catechu (Khair), Diospyros melanoxylon (Tendu/Timru), Madhuca indica (Mahuda), Anogeissus latifolia (Dhav), Lagerstroemea parviflora, Aegle marmelos (Bili), Butea monosperma (Palas/Khakharo), Mitragayna parviflora (Kalam), Zizyphus sp. (Bor), Lannea coromandelica (Modad) and Wrightia tinctoria (Dudhalo) are important tree species in the area. Large number of 'mahuda' trees exists in and around the Sanctuary, which provide major food supply to wildlife and tribal. Though, 'timru' is scattered, it forms an important source of food. Several species of climbers, shrubs, grasses and herbs also exist in the area.

Declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in May 1978, this 180.66 sq.km. forest tract of Jessore hill and adjoining areas is endowed with several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The forests of the sanctuary play an important role in conservation of depleting Aravali ecosystem. This area act as a buffer and separates the desert ecosystem from the dry deciduous type of ecosystem. The tree clad terrain helps in arresting the process of desertification and advancement of Thar desert.

Fauna

Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is a unique area in the country because the uncommon ecosystem in the arid zone supports 15 threatened species of wildlife belonging to Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Scrub and desert thorn forest interspersed with numerous seasonal water-bodies and grassy patches provide an ideal habitat for chinkara, caracal, ratel, wolf, desert cat, desert fox, great Indian bustard, lesser florican and a variety of waterfowl. Some of the species of semi-desert habitat, which are recorded in this region, are not common in other areas in the country.
   

Forests in this dry zone have started degrading due to expansion of desert and progress of the process of desertification. The Sanctuary is considered important ecological unit for maintaining environmental and ecological stability. The area has a very high conservation value for scientific research. The multistoried forest provides a suitable habitat for variety of birds ranging from land birds to water birds. As per the IUCN classification many rare and endangered species of birds are also found in this sanctuary. The reptiles include snakes, tortoises and lizards of various types. The rarest Indian Python is observed beyond Muni ji ki kutia.

Flora

The diverse floral constituents are classified into Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous and Desert Thorn forests. The major species founds in the sanctuary include Anogeissus spp, Butea monosperma, Lannea coromandeiica, Boswellia serrate, Sterculia urens, Diospyros melanoxylon, Mitiusa tomentosa, Wrightia spp, Terminalia spp, Mitragyna parviflora, Zizyphus spp, Acacia spp, Aegle marmelos, Cassia fistula, Pongamia pinnata, Holarrhena antidysentrica, Balanites aegyptica and Flacourtia indica.

Management Approach

Habitat amelioration works to provide well distributed food and water sources and creation of suitable living and breeding environment by blending the rehabilitation of degraded areas with effective protection measures are the major thrust activities for management. Prosopis invasion occurring almost in pure composition in certain areas needs phased replacement with the local floral species. The area being drought prone, water cons

At the distance of about 10 km northeast from Jamnagar (Saurashtra) on the south coast of Gulf of Kutch, there exists a bird Sanctuary which represents combination of seasonal freshwater shallow lake, intertidal mudflats, creeks, salt pans, saline land and mangrove scrub. Is it not amazing? In deed, there is no protected area of its kind in the State elsewhere.

About the Sanctuary

In May 1981, revenue wasteland of the lake covering an area of 182.9 ha was declared as Sanctuary under section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and again in November 1981 another area of 421.96 ha was added to it. Today, the total area of the Sanctuary is 605 ha, which covers three freshwater lakes of the entire wetland complex. Area of the Marine Sanctuary (Jamnagar) constitutes the boundary of the Sanctuary towards the Gulf of Kutch.
   

There exist two reclamation bunds in the Sanctuary, which were constructed by the ex-ruler of Jamnagar State to restrict freshwater flow of small rivers and salt water inflow during high tides. Before construction of the reclamation bunds prior to independence, part of the Sanctuary was intertidal zone of the Gulf of Kutch. The Sanctuary area is just above high tide level because tidal water reaches up to boundary of the Sanctuary. The boundary of Marine Sanctuary extends in the fresh water lake area of Khijadia.

 

The Sanctuary is located in the western-most part of the country and falls on the traditional route of the migratory birds. Consequently, the Sanctuary supports a variety of migratory birds including the waterfowl. This is an extremely important staging and wintering area for a wide variety of waterfowl. Almost 200 species of birds are recorded in the Sanctuary, including over 90 species of waterfowl.
   

It is the known breeding ground of the Great Crested Grebe, which otherwise is migratory and uncommon in the State. The Sanctuary is considered to be an important site for ecological research and education. High conservation value of the wetland area is quickly realised from the fact that it is a unique wetland complex, representing a mosaic of several types of wetlands, including freshwater shallow lakes, intertidal mudflats, creeks, salt pans, saline land and mangrove scrubs. The endemic plant Cyperus dwarakensis is found near Dwarka (Kamnaar) and Tephrosea jamnagarensis is also an endemic plant to the area. Habitat diversity is unique at Khijadia Sanctuary. As stated earlier, Khijadia is a seasonal wetland adjoining coastal wetland. Dense cover of Prosopis chilensis in a portion of the lake provides shelter to some mammals and nesting sites for some birds.

This is a small area of just 2 sq. km, pulsating with avifaunal and mammalian life of the grassland habitat. This protected pocket, located in the vast tract of grassland ecosystem of Abdasa taluka, was established in 1992. It is situated near Nalia and covers the forest area of Jakhau and Budia villages.

About the Park

The area is ideal for those wanting to see Great Indian Bustard in Gujarat. However, by no means is the area only for this endangered bird. An eco-tourist having interest in the whole spectrum of grassland fauna would find it a little paradise. Kutch Bustard Sanctuary provides food and shelter to an endangered bird of the Indian subcontinent-the Great Indian Bustard. In recent times, when this bustard has been almost wiped out from entire Gujarat, the significance of this place has been highlighted, at least for the state. The Sanctuary gets high conservation value for many other reasons also.
It is an area where species like lesser florican, chinkara and wolf inhabit; all of which are considered threatened in one or the other ways [IUCN criteria or Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972]. Also owing to the presence of black partridge, the importance of the PA is hightened. This is a grassland habitat with sparse vegetation of bushy Zyziphus sp. The entire Sanctuary is predominated by this single habitat.

Flora and Fauna

A variety of grassland birds are seen here. An eco-tourist can assured of seeing the endangered Great Indian Bustard ('Ghorad') in a suitable season. About a dozen bustards were recorded here in 1989. Present population is about two dozen in the taluka. Forest Department had also recorded three nesting sites of the Lesser Florican. The Sanctuary is good place to see this bird. One of the largest concentrations of this species in the State is found in this Sanctuary. Recently, in 1999, 66 floricans (mainly males) had been recorded here.
Local Range Forest Officer Mr. Jadeja encountered 52 houbara bustards opportunistically in the Naliya Taluka in 1999-2000. He spotted a group of 17 houbara near Jhakhau in December 2000. This grass land in Abdasa (Nalia) Taluka is important for three species of bustards, qualifying this area as rare and unique site in the world.
Black Partridge ('Kalo Tetar') is seen very frequently, which enhances the joy of birding. It may be noted that Black Partridge is seen only in limited areas of the state. The Sanctuary is also a good place to see raptors like harriers and eagles and migratory birds like Houbara Bustard and Common Crane.

 

An eco-tourist with an interest in mammalian wildlife may see wolf, jungle cat and desert cat. A local range forest officer had sighted a caracal here. An eco-tourist can feel assured that he will see the chinkara or Indian gazelle. It is estimated that over 425 chinkara occur in and around the Sanctuary. One would be bewildered to see groups of over two dozen chinkaras very commonly in this area. Usually, the antelope is seen solitarily or non-gregariously in other parts of the state. Local forest official registered progressive growth in number of chinkara. Human population is very sparse in and around the Sanctuary. Livestock grazing is one of their important activities.

 

The area of the grassland under protection is very small in the large tract of grassland in the region. In other words, the area is too small to provide adequate protection to wildlife of the area. There is a critical need to expand this Sanctuary. Grazing of livestock, although not serious at present, degrades the ecosystem. Though Prosopis juliflora, an exotic weed has not invaded the tract, it has started spreading in the region. Its invasion within the Sanctuary area would be the main threat in future.

Have you seen rocky hills amidst the saline desert, a buried city of the harappan civilization which was recently excavated, innumerable fossils, the breeding ground of the Greater Flamingo ('Flamingo City') and herds of 30-40 Indian gazelles sprinting on the mudflats at the edge of a hilly island?

 If your answers to these questions are 'no', then the Kutch Desert Sanctuary in the Great Rann of Kutch is waiting for you. This is the largest sanctuary in the state and one of the largest in the country too. Of the 7505.22 sq. kIn area of the Sanctuary, 109.00 sq. kIn is the forest area notified under section- 4 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and 1313.07 sq. km is a revenue wasteland. Remaining area of the Sanctuary is Territorial Water of India in the Arabian Sea (not now). The Sanctuary is located in the north-eastern part of Kutch district bordering Pakistan and Wild Ass Sanctuary. The Sanctuary was declared in February 1986.

About the Sanctuary

The Great Rann, a part of the Rann of Kutch, is a salt-impregnated wilderness region having an area of about 16000 sq. kIn. Its average altitude is 15 m above Mean Sea Level (MSL). The area encompassed by the Sanctuary is characterised by vast, salt-impregnated sun-baked mud flats, which are dotted with small patches of uplands and few hilly islands (locally called 'bets'). Though the Great Rann is similar to the Little Rann in several ways, the former differs in its silt deposition characteristics. Thus, the silt of the Great Rann has been the deposit of the Indus River, unlike that of the Little Rann, which shows strong affinity to the material that was derived from the local sources of Gujarat.
   

The Great Rann owes its origin to a marine transgression. Waters of the Arabian Sea enter the Rann through the Kori creek. The gradual regression of the sea level is clearly shown by the presence. of marine calcareous grit and oyster bed as also by the swash marks and water line at the height of several meters from the present water level at one of the hilly islands within the Great Rann. During the Mesozoic period (65-60 million years ago), the Great Rann was a part of the Arabian Sea. However, when Alexander the Great visited the area in 325 B. C. the Rann was no longer an arm of the sea, but it was a navigable lake. It was a shallow lagoon during the 3rd century A. D.
   

The Great Rann has been tectonically unstable since a long time. Tectonism was effective till as late as 1819, when a major earthquake destroyed the Indus River connection with Kori creek. The earthquake also gave rise to the 'Allah Band's linear mound-like formation, about 5-10 m high and 50 km long.

A unique Marine eco-system is found in the Gulf of Kutch, (Jamnagar District), an area of 162.89 Sq. Km is declared as a Marine National Park and an area of 457.92 Sq. Km has been declared as a Marine Sanctuary. In all a total 931.33 Sq.Km of area including Mangrove forests is under the administration of Jamnagar Circle.

The Gulf of Kutch on the west coast of India, in the State of Gujarat abounds in a variety of marine wealth. Mangrove, coral reefs. Sea grass & Sea weeds, sandy areas, mudflats, and other associated habitats, in the Gulf of Kutch support variety of marine flora and fauna. The area has excellent coral reefs, second to none in the country, though slightly over exploited it supports 37 species of hard & soft corals, 70 species of sponges, 150-200 species of fishes, 27 species of prawns.

 

30 species of crabs more than 200 species of molluscs. 3 species of endangered sea turtle. 3 species of sea snakes. 3 species of sea mammal. 94 species of water birds. 78 species of terrestrial birds and 108 species of brown, green & red algae. Taking into consideration the presence of the flora and fauna, the Govt. of Gujarat has declared an area of 437.92 Sq. Km as a Marine Sanctuary by notification Dt. 12.8.1980 and further the area of 162.89 Sq.Km was declared as Marine National Park by notification Dt. 20.7.1982. Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has declared this Park as category-II area in the list of important national park of the world-" published by them.

The Continental Shelf

One of the richest and most densely populated habitats lie between the land and the sea, on the underwater shelf which fringes most of the coastline in the Gulf of kutch. In this shelf, offshore water life-forms in amazing variety and numbers jostle for existence in a swirling, energetic, stimulating environment. The sea surges across rocks and reefs, burying them deep in water during high tide, replacing air with water. Then the tide ebbs and the rocks and their myriad inhabitants are exposed again to air and sun. The inhabitants are exposed to wide variations in heat, cold, light, darkness, wind, salinity and water pressure.

Mangrove Forest

The whole coast line in the gulf is fringed with luxuriant growth of Mangroves mainly Rhizophora, Avicennia. Ceriops spp. It shows remarkable ability to live in saline and tidal area where very few other tree species can grow. The slushy muddy mangrove marshes with high degree of dissolved 02 provide a paradise for marine creatures and the colourful living corals. Total area under mangroves in Jamnagar was about 300 Sq.Km in the past which reduced to 139 Sq.Km in 1975 and 33 Sq.Km in 1985. Coverage has improved ever since the area has been declared as a Marine National Park.

Better protection measures and extensive patrolling by staff has resulted into a good mangrove coverage. As per 1993 and 1998 report the present area of mangrove forest in the park is 118 Sq. Km and 141 Sq.Km respectively.
   

Mainly six species of mangrove are commonly represented in this area, i.e. Avicennia marina, Avicennia alba, Avicennia officianalis, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, Aegiceros corniculata. Sporadic presence of Salvadora, Tamarix dioca & Commiphora wightii is observed on islands. These species of mangrove grow above the surface of muddy marshes by prop roots growing from its trunk and branches which provides an excellent haven, for water and shore birds. It helps in checking soil erosion and pollutants getting into the sea.

Preserving Mangroves

Mangroves stabilize loose soil and detritus and protect the hinter land from tidal surges, cyclone storms and high velocity winds, and dissipate the wave entry. Mangroves in the estuarine inter-phases buffer high salinity, regulate rich organic-laden water flows, stabilize the alluvial soil brought from the river systems, fix the sediments of the sea with the detritus,thus producing one of the richest productive ecosystems, providing paradise for fish, marine invertebrates, molluscs, colourful living corals and birds.
   

The striking feature about the mangroves is the presence of aerial or prop roots to act as a supporting system and for respiration. Mangroves also function as a buffer against the oil leaks if any, is washed down from the sea. Such oil leaks act as a barrier in their breathing function and gradually lead to the death of mangrove species.

Major Flora and Fauna

The Major Flora are Mangroves, Saag , Sesam , Kheru, Limda etc. and the major Fauna are Coral lichen ,Coral sponge, Green sponge, Puffer Fish, turtles , dolphins etc.

A black tailed godwit gracefully descends upon the tranquil water, flutters its wings and sails on. A small, brown and white wader with a slightly up curved bill, the bird has traveled 3500 kms from its nesting ground in Central Europe to spend the winter at Nalsarovar in Gujarat!

 

Clouds upon clouds of more than 200 types of birds land in this lake having made an equally long journey to escape the harsh winter of their nesting areas. Here they find food and warmth. These migrant birds visit Nalsarovar every year from November to February. During these four months water is plentiful and fish, insects and aquatic plants abound in the lake - an ideal environment for the birds. Nalsarovar at this time is a birdwatcher's delight.

When food and water are scarce in Nalsarovar, some birds go away for short periods to nearby areas and return to the lake after monsoon to a feast of fish and insects. These are the resident birds. The lake - Nalsarovar - and the wetlands around it were declared a bird sanctuary in 1969. Spread over 120 sq.kms, the lake and the extensive reed beds and marshes are an ideal habitat for aquatic plants and animals. The lake attracts a large variety of birds like plovers, sandpipers and stints.

 

There are 360-odd islets in the lake. Most of them lie exposed when the water level is low. The lake gets filled with water that drains from the adjoining Surendranagar and Ahmedabad districts in the monsoon. With this fresh water inflow, brackishness in the lake is reduced considerably.

 

The migratory birds arrive in vast numbers, homing in on the lake. There are flocks of pelicans, flamingoes, ducks, demoiselle cranes, common cranes, and several waders occupying huge patches of the lake during the season. With the approaching summer the lake water dries up making it brackish, and the fish and other insect life becomes scarce. The migratory birds and most of the resident birds, such as cormorants, grebes and openbill storks, begin to leave by April.

Evolution of the lake

The nal region is a low-lying area between the plains of the central gujarat and eastern saurashtra. Owing to its low lying topography, it is believed to represent a filled up sea link, that previously existed between the little rann in the north and the gulf of khambat in the south. Remnants of this sea are thought to be represented by the nalsarovar.

One of the most sacred pilgrim centres of the Hindu religion, Narayan Sarovar is uppermost in the pilgrims' circuit. There are actually five sacred lakes here, containing a temple complex is one of its five holy lakes.

 

It finds mention in the ancient scriptures with the other four being Mansarovar at Kailash, Bindusarovar at Bhuvaneshwar, Pushkar in Rajasthan and Pampa in the south. An embankment surrounds the temple complex, which is an assimilation of many hindu divinities, and the architecture, ancient and awesome.

About the Sanctuary

Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is a unique area in the country because the uncommon ecosystem in the arid zone supports 15 threatened species of wildlife belonging to Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Scrub and desert thorn forest interspersed with numerous seasonal water-bodies and grassy patches provide an ideal habitat for chinkara, caracal, ratel, wolf, desert cat, desert fox, great Indian bustard, lesser florican and a variety of waterfowl.
   

Some of the species of semi-desert habitat, which are recorded in this region, are not common in other areas in the country. Forests in this dry zone have started degrading due to expansion of desert and progress of the process of desertification. The Sanctuary is considered important ecological unit for maintaining environmental and ecological stability. The area has a very high conservation value for scientific research.

Forest types in the Sanctuary

5/D-Dry deciduous Scrub, 6/E4 -Salvadora scrub, 6B/C-Desert Thorn Forest, 5/E3 -Babul (Acacia nilotica} forest, 6B/DS2-Tropical Euphorbia scrub, 5/DS5-Dry Savannah type vegetation, Acacia nilotica- Salvadora association, 6/E2-Gorad (Acacia Senegal), 6B/ DS1-Zizyphus scrub and Capparis association.
   

'Gorad' and 'Babul' are predominant plant species. 'Babul' predominates the western zone having lime stone formation, whereas 'Gorad' is main species in the eastern zone, which covers extensive area. Some of the patches are also planted with Prosopis juliflora, which has started spreading in the Sanctuary, leading to decrease of grassy and herbaceous patches, but rate of invasion is less compared to extensive area of Prosopis in other parts of the district.

The hilly thorn forests in northern part, an integral part of Gir, is an extension of Gir Protected Area. The area is undulating and hilly and availability of good fodder has made the area suitable for Chinkara. The Sanctuary has been established especially to protect the Chinkara. Gir Sanctuary constitutes boundary in south and east of this prime habitat of Chinkara. About 39.64 sq. km. forest of Chanchai and Pania was Jagiri forest before its acquisition by the State Government. The area was notified as Sanctuary in the year 1989. Settlement works are yet to be completed but area is free from legal complication. There is one 'Maldhari ness' in the area. Hills of Chanchai are high in north-west of Gir. Practically, Pania Wildlife Sanctuary is the extension of Gir Sanctuary.

About the Sanctuary

The lions freely move around the foothills in this area also. The hilly and undulating tract renders the area suitability for Chinkara and with a view to emphasising conservation of this small antelope, the area has been declared as a separate sanctuary. The area provides ecological security and environmental amelioration to semi-arid area of Amreli district. The area has good number of grass species. However, the absence of natural water source is a limiting factor.

Flora and Fauna

The floristic composition in this area is characterized by Acacia nilotica (Desi baval), A. catechu (Khair), A. senegal (Gorad), A. leucoploea (Hermo), Zi-zyphus sp. (Bordi) Anogeissus sp. (Dhav), Boswellia serrata (Saladi), Bauhinia sp. (Ashitro), Wrightia tinctoria (Dudhlo), Butea monosperma (Khakhro), Lonnea coromandelica (Modad), Lantana camara and bamboo. There are some dense patches of vegetation in the depressions.
   
Amongst the fauna of this area lion, leopard, hyena, wild cat, civet cat, spotted deer, chinkara, bluebull, wild boar, four-homed antelope, pangolin, python, peafowl, porcupine, desert cat and fox are the major species. During the census of 1995, 5 lions, 134 spotted deer, 75 individuals of nilgai, 6 individuals of four-homed antelope, 19 individuals of chinkara and 2 wild boar were counted in this area. The present status of management is good, yet there are several challenges. The area constitutes the periphery of Gir forest and is surrounded by revenue villages and hence it is very vulnerable to grazing pressure by domestic cattle. The cattle of 'maldharis' living in the 'ness' at the periphery too have an easy access to the fodder from this sanctuary. The absence of natural water source in the sanctuary area is another limiting factor. The situation of the Sanctuary also makes it susceptible to elicit cutting and fire. The grazing pressure during the scarcity period and the influx of cattle during the monsoon also put the herbivorous wild life under pressure.

The birth city of Mahatma Gandhi, who practiced and preached non-violence throughout his life, deserves a Sanctuary, where our fellow living beings are protected from vandalism. Porbandar Bird Sanctuary fulfills this necessity at least for birds by providing legal protection to our feathered friends. An ecotourist visiting the birth-place of the Mahatma should not miss the chance of visiting this Sanctuary located right within the city.

About the Sanctuary

The area was taken over by the Forest Department from the Porbandar Municipality on 26.7.1990, and the Sanctuary was notified by the State Government under section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The Sanctuary was declared on the basis of recommendations made by Mr. Peter Jackson, a naturalist of an international repute, who visited Porbandar in 1981. This is the smallest bird Sanctuary of Gujarat, having an area of 9.33 ha. It covers a fresh water lake, which receives water from city's gutters in addition to the rains.
    <

This is the only bird sanctuary in the State, which is established amidst the city. It provides the practical example of co-existence of man and nature. The area supports good population of Flamingos and other resident and migratory waterfowl. In the past, flamingos had attempted nesting also. The Sanctuary covers the fresh water lake, which receives considerable waters from the city's gutters. This is a wetland with permanent water resource. Its waters become slightly saline due to the salinity of land.

Flora and Fauna

The habitat, due to its location, is not very rich in plant life. Unfortunately, there is no emergent vegetation. The Forest Department planted some trees. on one side of the Sanctuary. However, the place is quite rich in bird life. Flamingos, pelicans, spoonbill, avocet, coot, pintail, little cormorant, little grebe, shoveller, whistling teal, heron, egret. Ibis, gull, tern, jacanas, ruff, red shank are some of the waterfowl which an eco- tourist may expect to see in winter.
   
People around the Sanctuary are the citizens of the Porbandar city and do not depend much for their livelihood on the wetland.
   
Owing to its location, the Sanctuary is highly disturbed due to vehicles and movement of people on roads close to the area. Discharge of sewage and pollutants degrades the lake. Some part of the lake which is not within the Sanctuary is already, levelled for the construction of buildings. The area of the Sanctuary is too small to provide adequate protection to the birds. Moreover, the settlement of the area is yet to be completed.

Purna is a Sanctuary, where luxuriant dense forests with thick bamboo brakes enchant visitors. People get surprised to see such pristine forests in the area, which happens to be an extension of the Western Ghats.

 

For an eco-tourist wanting to enjoy birds of moist deciduous forest mixed with bamboo, this is the best place to visit. The Sanctuary is a part of forests in northern part of the Dangs district in South Gujarat. The area covering 160.8 sq. km is a reserved forest, which has been notified as Sanctuary in July 1990.

 

Purna Sanctuary is a part of dense moist deciduous forests in Western Ghat of Gujarat and supports gamut of flora and fauna of very high evolutionary value. The Sanctuary, along with Vansda National Park, is the only Protected Area in South Gujarat for conserving diverse biological resources. Wildbulls, elephants Sloth bear and rhinoceros also roamed in this forest-tract during historic past (Mugal Period). Forests of this region satisfy material and cultural needs of local tribals and maintain ecological stability of the area.
   

Different types of forests that constitute varied habitats are moist mixed deciduous forest, moist teak forest and bamboo brakes. Bamboo forms thick middle storey in large area with tree cover having moderately dense canopy. 'Mahal' forest in the Protected Area is one of the best forests in the State.

Flora

    About 700 identified plant species with dominance of grasses and broad-leaved plants in high density and diversity are found in the Sanctuary. Dendrocalamus strictus (Bamboo), Tectona grandis (teak), and Wrightia tinctoria (dudhalo) are major tree species. Dalbergia latifolia (sissoo), Albizzia procera (safed siras), Ougeinia oogeinensis (tanach), Mitragyna parviflora (kalam), Terminlia crenulata (sadad), Acacia catechu (khair), A. ferruginia, Pongamia pinnata (karanj), Adina cordi/olia (haldu), Saccopentalum tomentosa, Lagerstroemia parviflora (chopadi bondara) are other important tree species.

Start a jeep and take a leisurely round along 32 km long periphery of this compact woodland covering 15 sq. km area. Within a few minutes after starting your vehicle, you would meet the largest antelope of the country - the bluebull (Nilgai). You would find it either singly or in a small group. You may see either a charcoal black adult male or a female with her young-ones. In fact, this would be just a beginning of a series of sightings that you may make of Boselaphus tragocamelus (Nilgai) during 30 km drive.

 

You would see the antelope standing on a barren hillock and staring at your moving vehicle, or hiding behind the thorny scrubs or crossing the narrow ridge or the 'nallah' (stream). Encountering the bluebull is almost a rule in the Sanctuary, which had been a shooting reserve of the ex-princely State of Wankaner (Central Saurashtra) before 1975. The area was acquired by the Government in 1975, declared as a 'reserve forest' in 1983 and notified as a Sanctuary in 1988.

About the Park

It may be interesting to know that the area was managed as a 'vidi' (grassland) in the past and it was annually producing over 4 lakh kg of grass to meet the requirement during scarcity. After reaching to this Sanctuary an eco-tourist finds himself amidst a compact woodland spread over 1501 ha area. He would notice that the terrain is plain in the middle of the Sanctuary and undulating elsewhere, excepting hillocks on the periphery.
   

One would also see two streams (locally called 'Vaghrigalo vonklo' and 'Pat a gala vanklo'), which drain the watershed of important river of Saurashtra - the Machchhu. There is a watch-tower' on a barren mound, more or less in the central portion of the Sanctuary (slightly towards eastern periphery). From this watchtower, an eco-tourist would have a pleasing experience of getting a bird eye view of the entire sanctuary. Tar roads surround the Sanctuary on three sides, just 5 to 10 km away from the boundary.
   

One of the major conservation values of the Sanctuary is that this small area is the largest wooded forest in Central Saurashtra (Rajkot). The area is an important forest for the preservation of over 280 species of plants, over 130 species of birds, over 20 species of mammals, over 20 species of reptiles and several species of amphibians and invertebrates. It is also an important site of natural beauty with hills, plains, grasslands and forest area. In short, the Sanctuary has adequate ecological, faunal, geomorphological, zoological, natural and aesthetic significance.

Sir, do not walk alone or in ones or twos in this jungle; It is a risky and unpredictable beast. It is fearless; so quick to charge and so fast running. It can climb up the trees. It is very mighty and its sharp nails can cause very serious injuries". If you go to Ratanmahal Sanctuary and talk to some tribal they would most probably describe the sloth bear in the manner mentioned above. Sloth bear indeed is more dangerous than the leopard at times. But, it is a thrilling experience to have a glimpse of the bear in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary.

It is never a 'killing-experience' if you have a vehicle and if you are accompanied by guards! This is the place, where you may come across a leopard cat, a palm civet, an Indian civet, four-horned antelope, langurs, Loten's sunbird, large green barbet, yellow checked tit, crested serpent eagle, grey junglefowl and a pit viper...! A visit to Ratanmahal is indeed rewarding.

About the Sanctuary

About 55.65 sq. km area of the Sanctuary is a triangular landmass, which covers reserve forests of 11 villages. Forest originally belonged to ex-ruler of Devgadh Baria State. Eleven villages with population of about 7000 are located in and around the Sanctuary and 41 villages are located in its interaction zone. An area of 150 ha is in possession of irrigation department. Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh constitutes boundary in south and east of the Sanctuary, whereas forests in west, and revenue areas in north surround the Sanctuary.
   
Ecological boundary extends to Madhya Pradesh in the west, forest of Chhota Udepur division in the south, and Sagtala forest in the east. These forests also constitute corridors for sloth bear.

'Maal' (the original word of 'Mahal') is a local word meaning plain or flat surface on top of the hill. In Ratanmahal Sanctuary such areas are found in Ratanmahal and Kubero-Morai localities. The area supports rich species diversity. It is an important habitat of sloth bear, a star attraction for the tourists. This is the only large pocket of dense forests preserved in this district. Ratanmahal is the second highest hill after Pavagadh in the Panchmahals. The entire area of the forest not only has high aesthetic, educational and scientific research values, but also maintains climatic and environmental stability of the region. It maintains health of watersheds and catchment of Panam and Orsang rivers. The area is known for typical culture of tribal inhabiting in and around the Sanctuary. It is an important area of scenic beauty and tourism.

The Forest Types

The forest types which constitute different types of habitats are dry teak forest at foot hills and in periphery of the P A, mixed deciduous forest, dry bamboo brakes, 'Timru' forest (pure patch) and 'Sadad' forest (pure patch). High population of 'Mahudo' trees intermixed with pure patches of 'Sadad' and 'Timru' forest on plateaus of the hills, at foothills, in plains on the periphery of PA provide food to sloth bear. Tree cover is very good. There are also quite a good number of 'Jamun' trees, which provide food to sloth bear during monsoon.

Birds having affinities with Himalayan and Western Ghats, a variety of raptors, the hills of Satpuda range, the thrill of coming across a python or flying squirrel, pangolin or big/ lesser cats and the scenic beauty of moist deciduous forest... all this can be enjoyed by an eco-tourist at Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary encompasses an area of 607.71 sq. km in Narmada district, which comprises a major watershed, feeding the Sardar Sarovar and the Karjan reservoirs. Hilly tract of the Sanctuary bordering Narmada supports some of the best forests in Gujarat. The physical aspect is dominated by the Rajpipla hills. DhamanMal, the highest peak located in the eastern portion, is about 882 m in altitude. The general slope of the area is towards the west.

 

The forests are some of the best and the densest in the State and are known for richness of biodiversity. The sightings of various bird species, which have more affinities with Himalayan and Western Ghat, have unfolded a hitherto unknown, but interesting aspect of the area. Moist deciduous forests have very high scenic and aesthetic values. The flora of the ecosystem represents remnants of semi-evergreen to moist deciduous forest. Much of the vegetation is modified due to influence of the biotic pressure and forestry operations.

Moist teak forest, Moist mixed deciduous forest, Dry deciduous scrub, Dry bamboo brakes and Dry tropical riverine forest, constitute varied habitats in the Sanctuary. These forest types merge into each other imperceptibly. Teak is the principal species. Patches of pure bamboo dominate the western and north-western parts.

Flora

The western and north-western parts are dominated by patches, of pure bamboo. Adina cordifolia (haldu), Terminalia crenulata (sadad), Emblica officinalis (amla), Acacia catechu (khair), Terminalia chebula (harde), Cassia fistula- (amaltas), Madhucaz indica (mahuda), Ougeinia oogeinensis (tanach), Zizyphus sp. (bor), Diospyros melanoxylon (timru), Sap indus emarginatus (aritha), Derris indica (karanj) and Dendrocalamus strictus (bamboo) are the other main species of the area. A study documented 575 species of flowering plants in the Sanctuary.

Start your motor-vehicle from the concrete jungle of Ahmedabad city and have a cross-country drive through beautiful agricultural landscape. At the end of about 50-km. drive, you would reach to this compact Water Bird Sanctuary. The Sanctuary, not far from Ahmedabad City has a small area of 6.99 sq. km. Apart from its proximity to Ahmedabad city and situation in a country-side environment, the beauty of this waterfowl abode is its compactness. The proverb 'small is beautiful' holds true for the Thol wetland. One does not need to bother about hiring a boat and sail for long distances in search of birds, constantly getting disturbed by moving canoe and flying away causing disappointment to an enthusiastic bird watcher.

   

What one needs is to take a leisurely walk on the bund raised along 6 km circumference of the tank and scan the flocks of waterfowl through glasses (binoculars/ telescopes). It is a good birding site for a tourist wanting to spend morning hours of winter in the company of resident and migratory waterfowl.

About the Sanctuary

'Thol is a shallow water reservoir having water storage capacity of 84 MCM. It is predominated by open water area, but lacks islands, reed bed (emergent aquatic plants) or prominent shore land. Thol is a man-made irrigation tank having command area of 1450 ha and catchment area of 153 sq. km. This is a shallow wetland on Government wasteland, with less habitat diversity. The wetland is predominated by the open water habitat, which is surrounded by cropland, fallow land and scrub land.
   

Thol Bird Sanctuary falls in Mehsana district of North Gujarat. Kadi, a taluka head quarter of the district, is just 22 km away from the Sanctuary. It is 25 km northwest of Ahmedabad. The agricultural fields in the environs of the tank attract a large number of waterfowl (for feeding on grains or seeds), which otherwise rest and roost at the wetland. The area was notified as Sanctuary in November 1988 under Sec. 18 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
   

This man-made wetland has high conservation value as waterfowl refuge and also as irrigation tank. Tens of thousands of resident and migratory waterfowl thrive here from November to January, of course, if hydrological conditions are favorable.

A fiat, salt-cracked vast barren desert, hissing sand storms and the majestic Ghudkhar roaming over mirage waters make the little rann of Kachchh an unique and one of the most fascinating wilderness of the world.

 

The Sanctuary was established in 1973 covering entire little rann and waste lands of bordering five districts with an area of 4953 Sq. KM. The rann was a shallow part of the Gulf of Kachchh earlier. It is formed through the process of siltation of marine estuary. During monsoon, the discharge of river and rain waters together with sea water blown up due to south west winds, the rann becomes a vast shallow sheet of water which dries up by October, November leaving a flat surface to provide super highway for vehicles.

Indian Wild Ass (EQUUS HEMIONUS KHUR)

Locally known as 'Ghud Khar' was once common in the North-western India. West Pakistan and South Iran. They are now found only in the Rann of Kachchh of Gujarat State. The Wild Ass falls in Family Equide which includes Horses, Zibras and Donkeys.   
Indian Wild Ass is one of the sturdiest animals in the world, withstanding scorching midday temperatures unto 45° C or more without any shelter in midst of the desert and facing long periods of drought as well as other calamities with relative ease, where others cannot survive. It has strength and speed of a horse and can run at speeds of 60 to 70 Km/hr. A mature beast stands 120 cms. in height and 210 cms. in length, weighing about 230 kgs. It possesses a shiny white coat with greyish-brown patches and a black or brown hairy stripe in the centre enhancing its beauty. They move about either singly or in herds (10 to 30) in search of fodder and sweet water, resting only in hot afternoon hours. They eat what they get, generally scrubby grass and pods of prosopis. The breeding season is August to October and after a gestation period of 11 Months, Only one young one is delivered which joins the herd in a very short time. The call of wild ass is shriller than that of domestic donkey. The life span is 20 to 25 years.