Gujarat’s Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera has announced a significant increase in the state’s wild ass population. The wild ass, once ranging from northwest India and Pakistan to the arid regions of Central Asia, is now primarily found in the deserts of Kutch, Gujarat.
The latest survey reveals a 26.14% rise, with numbers reaching 7,672, up from 6,082 in the previous count. This achievement coincides with India’s ‘Wildlife Conservation Week,’ celebrated from 2nd to 8th October and marks a significant milestone in Gujarat’s wildlife conservation journey.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government has implemented numerous awareness campaigns and undertaken comprehensive conservation efforts. Minister Bera noted that the wild ass population is assessed every five years, with this year’s 10th survey conducted by the state’s Forest and Environment Department. The wild ass, recognised globally as Equus hemionus khur and locally known as the “Khur,” is predominantly found across six districts in Gujarat. The highest population of 2,705 wild asses was recorded in Surendranagar district, followed by 1,993 in Kutch, 1,615 in Patan, 710 in Banaskantha, 642 in Morbi and 7 in Ahmedabad district.
In the forest regions, Dhrangadhra reported the highest number with 3,234 wild asses, followed by Radhanpur (2,325) and Bhachau (2,113). The survey further detailed the demographic breakdown, counting 2,569 female wild asses, 1,114 males, 584 baby wild asses and 2,206 unclassified animals in forest and sanctuary areas. Additionally, in revenue areas, the survey reported 558 females, 190 males, 168 baby wild asses and 283 unclassified animals.
Minister of State for Forest and Environment, Mukesh Patel, provided further details, revealing that the wild ass population survey was part of the WAPE-2024 initiative and covered an area of approximately 15,510 square kilometres using the direct count method. Alongside wild asses, the survey also counted other wildlife species, including 2,734 Asian antelopes (Nilgai), 915 wild boars, 222 Indian hares, 214 Indian gazelles (Chinkara) and 153 Indian jackals. Lesser numbers of desert foxes, Indian foxes, blackbucks, striped hyenas, desert cats, wild cats and Indian wolves were also recorded.
To ensure accurate counting, the survey combined traditional methods with modern technologies such as drone cameras, camera traps and the e-Gujarat Forest module. Special training camps were also organised for census officers to enhance their ability to identify wild asses and other animals.
The Indian wild ass, known for its resilience in the extreme heat of Gujarat’s Wild Ass Sanctuary, where temperatures can reach up to 50°C, has long been a symbol of the state’s natural heritage. These strong animals, capable of running at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour, feed on grass that grows on the desert islands. However, despite their strength, wild asses are typically shy and tend to flee when they encounter humans.
Minister Mukesh Patel emphasised that the responsibility for conserving this endangered species, classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List, lies not only with the government but with the public as well. Since the species was declared endangered by the IUCN in 2008, Gujarat’s government has made great strides in protecting the wild ass, with the population rising from 720 in 1976 to 7,672 in 2024, reflecting the state’s successful conservation efforts.
Also Read: Major Drug Bust: Gujarat ATS, NCB Seize Drugs Worth Over Rs 1800 Cr in Bhopal
