Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
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| Great Indian Bustard at Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary |
Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is the smallest sanctuary of India of an area just over two sq km. It is located near Nalia in western side of Kutch district of Gujarat . The Kutch Bustard Sanctuary was built to save the Great Indian bustard from the hands of poachers and hunters.It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965. Kutch is a region of varied vegetation and topography comprising of grasslands, wetlands, and marshy swamps. Kutch Bustard Sanctuary is primarily a grassland area dotted with desert vegetation of thorns and dry grass. The sanctuary at Kutch has the largest concentration of bustards, second only to the Desert National Park of Rajasthan.
The Kutch Bustard sanctuary is home to three species of Bustards – the Great Indian bustard, lesser floricans and the macqueen Bustard. The Great Indian Bustard is a large bird with a horizontal body and long bare legs like ostrich but unlike them Bustard is a very good flier . It is among the heaviest of the flying birds.The Great Indian bustard, locally called as ‘Ghorad’ lives in the open. Though Bustards can fly very well; they prefers staying on the ground. Open areas attract the Bustard more than enclosures.
Besides the Great Indian Bustard, the Kutch Bustard Sanctuary houses 20 other species of birds, namely, McQueen's Bustard, Lesser Florican, Stoliczkas, Bushchats, Merlins , harriers, common cranes, lesser florican, black partridges, sand grouses, black and grey francolin, paradise flycatcher and many others. Amongst wild animals; wolf, desert cat, blue bull, striped hyena, chinkara, civets, spiny tailed lizard etc are also found here.
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| Location of Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary |
The status of the Great Indian Bustard in India is a cause for concern. With its population declining and facing numerous threats, urgent conservation efforts are needed to protect this majestic bird. Let's come together to safeguard its habitat and ensure a brighter future for this critically endangered species.
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