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This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.

A short-eared owl banks low in flight, wings spread against the pale saltpanA short-eared owl stares from its perch under a thorny branch, yellow eyes forwardA desert fox trots along the wet margin of the rann in low evening light
3 photographs from here. Open any frame for the full picture and its capture details.
  • Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Photographed here

Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary

Beta

Also known as Little Rann of Kutch, Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary and LRK

A vast saline desert sanctuary in the Little Rann, the last refuge of the Indian wild ass and a haven for flamingos.

Why this place matters

Unique saline desert sanctuary protecting the world's last population of Indian wild ass and supporting large seasonal congregations of flamingos and other migratory waterbirds.

The wildlife

  • Indian Wild AssEquus hemionus khur
    NTNear Threatened

    Last stronghold of the khur subspecies, with herds traversing the saline flats and grass-covered bets.

  • Greater FlamingoPhoenicopterus roseus
    LCLeast Concern

    Large flocks use the seasonally inundated flats during migration and winter.

  • Indian WolfCanis lupus pallipes
    VUVulnerable

    Small packs of the Indian wolf range across the open flats and fringing scrub.

The wider field list, with current IUCN Red List status.

Mammals

Birds

Reptiles

Notable birds include Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Pelicans and Demoiselle Crane. Reptiles include Monitor Lizard.

Plan your visit

Post-monsoon months combine herds of wild ass on the dry flats and large gatherings of flamingos and other waterbirds in the seasonal wetlands.

Zones
Little Rann mudflats and surrounding bets within the Wild Ass Sanctuary
Safari
jeep safaris over dry mudflats and around raised bets, guided by local operators with forest permissions
Typical sightings
Herds of wild ass moving across open flats, flocks of flamingos and other waterbirds at seasonal pools, desert foxes and wolves in low scrub.
Light and terrain
Flat, open horizons with intense glare from the saline mud; best light at sunrise and sunset when long shadows and mirage effects add drama.
Hides
No formal hides; viewing from vehicles and occasional watch points.
Good to know
Off-road movement regulated by the Forest Department; some areas closed during flooding or to protect breeding colonies.