Indian wild ass

Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur), also known as the Gujarat Wild Ass or Khur, is a subspecies of the wild ass found in the Indian subcontinent. As one of the last remaining species of wild ass in South Asia, it is primarily confined to the Little Rann of Kutch and its surrounding areas in the Gujarat state of India. This species is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to its limited distribution and the threats it faces from habitat loss, salt extraction, and poaching.

Description

The Indian Wild Ass is characterized by its sandy to reddish-brown coat, which helps it blend into the desert landscape. Adults can weigh between 200 to 230 kilograms and stand at about 120 centimeters at the shoulder. They have a distinct white belly and a dark stripe running across their back. Unlike domestic asses, their ears are shorter and their mane is upright and tufted.

Habitat and Distribution

The primary habitat of the Indian Wild Ass is the arid and semi-arid regions of the Little Rann of Kutch in the Gujarat state. This area is known for its salt flats, which are inundated during the monsoon season, creating a unique ecosystem for species adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. The Indian Wild Ass has adapted to this harsh environment, feeding on grasses, leaves, and occasionally crops from adjoining agricultural lands.

Behaviour and Ecology

Indian Wild Asses are highly social animals, forming groups called herds, which can consist of females with their young and bachelor males in separate groups. They are known for their incredible stamina and can run at speeds up to 70 km/h. Their diet primarily consists of grasses, though they will also consume herbs, leaves, and crops. The breeding season of the Indian Wild Ass is during the monsoon months, where males compete for access to receptive females.

Conservation

The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, established in 1972 in the Little Rann of Kutch, is the world's largest sanctuary and plays a crucial role in the conservation of this species. Conservation efforts have led to a steady increase in their population, from a few hundred in the 1960s to over 5,000 individuals by recent estimates. However, the species still faces threats from habitat degradation, competition for food with livestock, and the risk of disease transmission from domestic animals.

See Also

• Wildlife of India
• Conservation in India
• IUCN Red List