Census of Wild Ass (Ghudkhar)this month,estimated count could touch 5,000

Surendranagar, 7 December 2014

Counting of Wild Ass(Ghudkhar) which is found only in Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat will be held on 20-21 December after a gap of five years. The last census of Wild Ass was conducted in year 2009. Forest officers on the basis of their regular observation of this sanctuary believe that there could be 25% rise in population of Wild Ass at present compared to year 2009.

The Government of Gujarat had declared sanctuary area in Little Rann of Kutch on 12 January 1973. In 1978 some area of Greater Rann of Kutch was added to it. Total 4,953.71 sqm area was thus declared sanctuary.

In first census of Wild Ass back in 1946, they were found in 3500 number. In 1963 due to epidemic, the figure was down to just 362. In 2009 it was 4,038.

The counting will be done using block counting method in 3 regions, 18 zones and 75 sub-zone areas covering total 15,000 sqkm area including Greater Rann of Kutch, grass land of Banni, Nal Sarovar and Gujarat-Rajasthan border areas.

Experts from Wildlife Institute of India, Environment Forest and Climate Change Ministry, Geer Foundation, nature lovers etc will be camping in Wild Ass sanctuary for census.