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Birding Gujarat

The avifauna of India includes a total of 1302 species, of which 42 are endemic, 1 has been introduced by humans, and 26 are rare or accidental. 1 species listed is extirpated in India and is not included in the species count. 82 species are globally threatened.

India’s extreme northwestern corner hosts some of the most important birding sites in the country, and with the enormous diversity of habitats found here – from saline desert and coastal lagoons to scrub forest and savannah grasslands - the ecological importance of this little-visited region is astounding.

Gujarat is a unique state that has many kinds of habitats. These varied landforms include dry deciduous forests, majestic grasslands, wetlands, marine ecosystems and rich moist deciduous forests. These habitats are home to some extremely rare wildlife. The Asiatic Lion is found only in Gir. The Wild Ass in the Rann of Kutch, the rare great Indian bustard in the bird reserves, the world's only four-horned antelope and the Black Buck are some other valued species protected in Gujarat. The dugong and the rare boralia species also find a safe haven here.

Birding and Wildlife in Jamnagar

Written by Arpit N. Deomurari

A Heaven for Waders

Discover the pristine beaches and islands, colorful coral reefs, fossilstuffed shorelines and the environs bursting with shorebirds. Trek onthe beach, bask in the soft sunlight and bathe in the lagoons. Knowabout the gulf and its world renowned coral formations. Be familiarwith the sea, the shore and the shore birds. Join us to this ‘Land ofthe Waders’ and experience the best of the coastal Jamnagar.

Written by Arpit N. Deomurari

GIR National Park - A Last Abode to Asiatic Lions

The Gir - the largest compact tract of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India is the last abode of the big and regal predator Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), an endangered species. The sanctuary is internationally acclaimed for successfully saving this precious species from the brink of extinction. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965. Subsequently, an area of 258.71 sq. km. was declared a National Park. The count of 2375 distinct fauna species of Gir includes about 38 species of mammals, around 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and more than 2000 species of insects.

Written by Arpit N. Deomurari
Kutch - A Lost Place Kutch - a beautiful haven lost in time from much of the ravages of modern society. As one stands and looks at its incredible vastness and clear blue skies meeting the brown terra firma in the distant horizon, a sense of awe and oneness with nature washes over oneself.At first glance it looks as though life in all its forms had deserted Kutch. But hold on a minute longer and the desert comes to life with agamids. birds, chinkaras, wolves and in some parts even caracal and leopards adding to a flurry of sudden motion and sound.Located in the western corner of the Indian subcontinent. Kutch is an extension of India's famous Thar desert and derives its name from the Sanskrit word - "Kachva" meaning tortoise, which alludes to the regions shape - an island bordered by the sea to the south and salt deserts on its other three sides.
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Birding and Wildlife in Little Rann of Kutch

Written by Arpit N. Deomurari

Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary / Little Rann of Kutch

Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary also known as the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary is located in the Little Rann of Kutch in the Gujarat state of India. This is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, spanning some 4950 sq ft in area, and comprising a range habitats from saline desert plains, arid grasslands, rocky and thorn scrub to lakes and marshes.The sanctuary is known for its herds of the handsome chestnut brown Asiatic (Wild ass), which is the last of India's wild horse family, does not survive elsewhere in Indian lowlands, but also supports a thriving population of gazelle, blue bull, wolf, and Indian foxes, jackal, jungle cat, hare and birds from the houbara bustard, spotted & Indian sandgrouse, francolin partridge, bustard quails, desert wheatear, desert , larks, steppe eagle, imperial eagle, short toed eagle, 5 of vulture, laggar falcon etc to flamingoes, pelicans, ducks,cranes and storks . The 11th century sandstone of Jhinjwada, historic walled town of Mandal, Rajput at Patdi, intricate temples around Munsar tank at Viragam and Darbargadh of Dasada can be visited on the way from to the Rann of Kutch.

Birding and Wildlife in South Gujarat

Written by Arpit N. Deomurari

Birding and Wildlife in Velavadar

Written by Arpit N. Deomurari

Blackbuck National Park

Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar is situated in the Bhavnagar District of Gujarat state, India.

Establishedin 1976 in the Bhal region of Saurashtra, the park is located around 72km from the district headquarter city of Bhavnagar. Hugging the coastsof the Gulf of Khambhat on the south, it is spread over an area of34.08 km², which was primarily a "vidi" (grassland) of the Maharaja ofthe princely state of Bhavnagar. On the northern side, it is surroundedby wastelands and agriculture fields. The National park has beenclassified as 4B Gujarat-Rajwada biotic province of semi-aridbio-geographical zone.