The fauna of Gujarat, a state in western India, encompasses a range of ecosystems, including coastal areas along the Arabian Sea, the semiarid forests on the Kathiawar Peninsula, and the arid salt flats of the Rann of Kutch.[1]

An estimated more than 500 varieties of mammals, 2000 species of birds, and a wide range of insects, fishes, amphibians, and reptiles live in Gujarat.[2] The state has a range of endangered species, such as the Asiatic lion found in Gir National Park, which is the sole natural habitat for lions outside of Africa. Gujarat's coastal areas, including the Gulf of Khambhat and the Gulf of Kutch serve as habitats for diverse marine life, including various species of fish, crustaceans, and migratory birds.[3] Protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks play a major role in conserving Gujarat's fauna. These include Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Marine National Park, among others.

History

Gujarat's faunal history extends beyond the prehistoric era. In the early 1980s, palaeontologists found dinosaur egg hatcheries and fossils of at least 13 species in Balasinor. The most important find was that of a carnivorous abelisaurid named Rajasurus narmadensis which lived in the Late Cretaceous period.[4]

Mammals

Golden Jackal at Rajkot

Gujarat hosts a number of large mammal species. In the Little Rann of Kutch, the Indian Wild Ass lives in arid grasslands and scrublands and is known locally as Ghudkhar. The state is also home to the Indian Elephant, which are characterized by their large ears and distinctive tusks. Elephants can be found in Gir Forest, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, and other forested areas. Sloth Bears inhabit the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary and can be recognized by their shaggy coats and unique lip technique for eating insects.[5] The Blackbuck is a common sight in Velavadar National Park and the Little Rann of Kutch, and is known for its distinct black and white markings and the spiralled horns possessed by males of the species.[6] The Indian Rhinoceros can be found in the Wild Ass Sanctuary within the Little Rann of Kutch, and can be recognized by its single horn.

Other smaller species of mammal found in Gujarat include the Indian Gray Mongoose and the Desert Fox.

In the coastal regions, the Humpback Dolphin can be found. These dolphins are often spotted in the Gulf of Kutch and the Arabian Sea.

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References

  1. ↑ "Gujarat". Brittanica. 2024-01-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ↑ "Experiences". gujrattourism. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  3. ↑ Rao, N. V. Subba; Sastry, D. R. K. (2005). Fauna of Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat: An Overview. Zoological Survey of India. ISBN 978-81-8171-061-1.
  4. ↑ "The wonders of India's Jurassic Park". 2010-05-11. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  5. ↑ Singh, H. S. (2013). Mammals in Gujarat. Gujarat Forest Department and Gujarat State Biodiversity Board.
  6. ↑ Kankane, P. L.; Sharma (Entomologist), Gaurav; Venkataraman, K. (2014). Status Survey of Some Mammals in Gujarat with Special Reference to Chinkara and Desert Cat. Zoological Survey of India. ISBN 978-81-8171-391-9.
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