Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve UPSC
The Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve is located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is one of the largest seasonal salt marshes in the world and encompasses an area of about 12,454 square kilometers (4,805 square miles). The biosphere reserve was established in 2008.
The Rann of Kutch is known for its unique ecosystem, which consists of saline desert plains, grasslands, thorn scrub forests, and wetlands. It is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are specially adapted to survive in the arid and saline conditions of the region.
The area also supports a population of endangered Indian wild ass, locally known as the "ghudkhar," which is the highlight of the biosphere reserve.
Apart from its rich biodiversity, the Rann of Kutch is culturally significant. It is inhabited by various indigenous communities, including the Kutchi people, who have adapted their lifestyle to the harsh desert environment. The region is known for its vibrant handicrafts, intricate embroidery work, and traditional art forms.
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Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve Location
The Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve is located in the Kutch, Rajkot, Surendra Nagar and Patan Civil Districts of Gujarat, India. It covers an extensive area in the western part of Gujarat. The biosphere reserve stretches from the Gulf of Kutch in the south to the border with Pakistan in the north.
The main access points to the biosphere reserve are Bhuj, the largest city in Kutch, and nearby towns like Dhordo and Nakhatrana.
Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve is Bhuj Airport, also known as Rudra Mata Airport. It is located in Bhuj, which is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) away from the biosphere reserve. Bhuj Airport serves as the main gateway for visitors traveling to the Rann of Kutch.
Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway station, Bhuj Railway Station is the most convenient option. It is located in Bhuj and is well-connected to major cities in India. From Bhuj Railway Station, one can hire taxis or use local transportation to reach the Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve, which is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) away.
Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve History
The history of the Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve is intertwined with the history of the region itself. The area has a rich historical and cultural heritage dating back thousands of years.
The region of Kutch has a long history of human habitation, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Over the centuries, various kingdoms and empires, including the Mauryas, Guptas, Chavdas, Solankis, and Jadejas, have ruled over the region.
The Rann of Kutch has been an important trade route connecting the Indian subcontinent with the Persian Gulf and beyond. The ancient port of Mandvi, located near the Rann, was a significant maritime center for trade with Arabia and Africa. The region's strategic location and access to maritime trade contributed to its cultural and economic prosperity.
The cultural diversity of the Rann of Kutch is reflected in its indigenous communities, including the Kutchi people. These communities have developed unique traditions, art forms, and craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations. The region is renowned for its intricate embroidery work, vibrant handicrafts, and traditional folk music and dance forms.
In recent history, the Rann of Kutch gained prominence during the India-Pakistan partition in 1947. The border between India and Pakistan runs through the region, leading to significant changes in the demographics and political landscape. The region witnessed displacement, migration, and the establishment of new settlements.
In 2008, the Rann of Kutch was designated as a biosphere reserve to conserve its unique biodiversity and promote sustainable development. The biosphere reserve status recognizes the ecological significance and cultural heritage of the region, aiming to balance conservation and human activities.
Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve Area
Kachchh Biosphere Reserve is mainly composed of two major ecosystems called Great Rann of Kachchh (GRK) and Little Rann of Kachchh (LRK) covering area of 12,454 km2,
It includes various protected areas within its boundaries, such as wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves. The reserve mainly covers Kachchh Desert Sanctuary (in GRK) and Wild Ass Sanctuary (in LRK).
Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve also covers part of finest grassland of Asia called “Banni”.
Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve Tribe
The Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve is home to various indigenous communities and tribes that have inhabited the region for centuries. These communities have adapted their lifestyles and cultural practices to the challenging desert and marshland environment of the Rann of Kutch. One prominent tribe in the area is the Rabari tribe.
The Rabari tribe, also known as the Raika or Rewari, is a pastoral community traditionally involved in cattle rearing and camel herding. They are known for their distinctive culture, colorful attire, and intricate embroidery work. The Rabaris have a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving with their herds in search of grazing pastures and water sources. They have deep knowledge of the region's ecology and are skilled in navigating the desert terrain.
Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve Flora
The flora of the Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve is adapted to the arid and saline conditions of the region. The diverse plant species found in the biosphere reserve have unique characteristics that allow them to survive in the challenging environment of the salt marshes, desert plains, and thorn scrub forests.
Here are some notable flora species in the Rann of Kutch:
(1) Salt-Tolerant Vegetation:
The salt flats and marshes are dominated by halophytic plants that can tolerate high salinity levels. Species such as salt cedar (Tamarix dioica), saltbush (Atriplex spp.), and saltwort (Salsola spp.) are commonly found in these areas.
(2) Grasses:
Various grass species, including Cenchrus ciliaris, Cenchrus setigerus, and Dichanthium annulatum, are adapted to the semi-arid conditions of the grasslands in the Rann of Kutch. These grasses provide grazing fodder for wildlife and domestic animals.
(3) Thorn Scrub Forest:
In some areas, thorny scrub forests can be found, consisting of species like Acacia senegal, Salvadora persica, Prosopis juliflora, and Ziziphus nummularia. These trees and shrubs have adaptations to conserve water and withstand the aridity of the region.
(4) Wetland Vegetation:
During the monsoon and winter seasons, the wetlands within the biosphere reserve support diverse aquatic vegetation. Species like Typha angustifolia (cattails), Phragmites karka (common reed), and Cyperus spp. (sedges) are commonly found in these wetland habitats.
Banni Grasslands
Banni, also known as the Banni Grasslands, is a unique ecosystem located in the western part of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India. It is a vast grassland that stretches across an area of approximately 3,847 square kilometers. Banni is recognized for its ecological importance and is an integral part of the larger Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve.
The Banni Grasslands are characterized by their semi-arid climate, with low rainfall and high temperatures. The grasslands consist of flat expanses of dry, brown soil interspersed with patches of green vegetation during the monsoon season. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve Fauna (Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve Animals)
The Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its diverse fauna, including several unique and endangered species. The combination of the desert, grassland, wetland, and saline marsh habitats supports a wide range of wildlife.
Here are some notable fauna species found in the biosphere reserve:
Mammals:
- Indian Wild Ass
- Chinkara
- Nilgai
- Indian Wolf
- Indian Striped Hyena
- Desert Fox
- Indian Fox
- Indian Hare
- Indian Palm Civet
- Indian Pangolin
- Caracal
- Jungle Cat
- Small Indian Civet
- Indian Grey Mongoose
- Indian Porcupine
- Indian Flying Fox
Birds:
- Greater Flamingo
- Demoiselle Crane
- White-bellied Minivet
- Indian Eagle-Owl
- Lesser Flamingo
- Great Indian Bustard
- Black-necked Crane
- Stoliczka's Bushchat
- Indian Skimmer
- Sociable Lapwing
- Sykes's Nightjar
- Montagu's Harrier
- Indian Courser
- Macqueen's Bustard
- Indian Roller
Reptiles:
- Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard
- Indian Cobra
- Russell's Viper
- Monitor Lizard
- Fan-throated Lizard
- Indian Sand Boa
- Common Indian Krait
- Indian Garden Lizard
Top Things to do in Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve
The Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve offers a range of unique experiences and attractions that showcase the natural and cultural wonders of the region. Here are some top things to do in the Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve:
- Visit the White Rann
- Attend the Rann Utsav
- Spot Wildlife
- Birdwatching
- Visit Banni Grasslands
- Experience Local Culture
- Visit Hodka Village
- Visit Narayan Sarovar
- Stargazing
- Take Desert Safaris
Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. In which state Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve is located?
A. The Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve is located in the state of Gujarat, in western India. It covers a significant portion of the Kutch district in Gujarat, including the vast salt marsh known as the Great Rann of Kutch.
Q. Which biosphere reserve is in Rann of Kutch?
A. The biosphere reserve in the Rann of Kutch is known as the Kachchh Biosphere Reserve. It encompasses a large area in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India.
Q. What is Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve famous for?
A. The Kachchh Biosphere Reserve is famous for its unique and diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Here are some of the notable features for which the region is renowned:
- Biodiversity
- Salt Flats
- Cultural Heritage
- Rann Utsav
- Wildlife Conservation
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