Gujarat
is as famous for its large herds of wild asses as it is for its
lions. To protect this rare animal, a Sanctuary covering an area
of over 4953 sq.kms. was created to offer protection to more than
2100 wild asses inhabiting this area.
In India the horse tribe is represented by the Indian wild ass.
In the Little Rann of Kutch, the asses are attracted by the flat
grass covered expanses known as bets or islands where coarse grasses
spring up in monsoon. With the advent of summer, the asses move
to other bets in which there is perennial supply of water and
grass.
As for speed and stamina, there is no one in the animal kingdom
to match the wild ass as they are capable of marathon runs at
a pace of about 24 km/h for a long as two hours, reaching a top
speed of 70 km/h over short distances. The wild ass is a strong
animal and a stallion will fight viciously for the possession
of the mare in the mating season. The combatants rear up on their
hindlegs, and kick and bite viciously. After mating one fowl is
born between July and September.
Besides the wild ass, the Sanctuary has a large population of
blue bulls, black bucks, chinkaras, wolves and jackals. Watch
towers, a tourist complex and other tourist related facilities
are in place to enhance wildlife viewing in this unique habitat.
Contact : Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wild Ass Sanctuary, Dhrangadhra.
Phone : 02754-23016.
