Source: PIB
Context: The population of wild asses in Gujarat, India, has seen a significant rise, reaching 7,672 as per the 2024 Wild Ass Population Estimation (WAPE). This marks a 26.14% increase from the 6,082 wild asses recorded in 2020.
About Indian Wild Ass:
- Species and Habitat:
- It is a sub-species of the Asian Wild Ass, locally called Khur in Gujarat.
- Found predominantly in the Little Rann of Kutch and Great Rann of Kutch.
- Habitats include desert and grassland ecosystems.
- Population Data (2024 WAPE):
- Highest numbers found in Surendranagar (2,705), followed by Kutch (1,993), Patan (1,615), Banaskantha (710), Morbi (642), and Ahmedabad (7).
- Gender and age distribution in forest areas: 2,569 females, 1,114 males, 584 babies, and 2,206 unclassified wild asses.
- Conservation Status:
- CITES: Appendix II
- Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule I
- Ecological Role:
- Contributes to seed dispersal, promoting vegetation growth.
- Helps in habitat creation by clearing pathways through grazing.
- Threats:
- Human activities like salt farming, agriculture, and cattle grazing.
- Soil salinity issues due to irrigation canals bringing water to the area.
- Conservation Efforts:
- Continuous rise in population due to state government’s efforts since 1976.
- Use of modern technology like drones and camera traps for population estimation.
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