Gujarat: Wild life and Ecotourism | Gujarat State PSC (GPSC) Preparation: All subjects - GPSC (Gujarat) PDF Download

Wildlife and Ecotourism of Gujarat

Gujarat's Rich Biodiversity

• Gujarat offers a diverse range of habitats like deciduous forests, desert plains, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal areas, making it a haven for bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
• The Gir National Park is home to the last Asiatic lions, while the Rann of Kutch shelters the only surviving wild asses in India.
• The Velavadar National Park is dedicated to conserving the rare and swift-footed blackbuck.
• The Rann serves as the sole nesting ground for large flamingos in India.
• The state boasts a rich bird life with peacocks and parrots being commonly spotted.

Migratory Birds and Marine Life

• Gujarat attracts migratory birds from North Eurasia during the winter months, adding to its avian diversity.
• With its extensive coastline, the state benefits from rich fishing waters, yielding catches like pomfret, prawns, tuna, and Bombay Duck.

Protected Areas

• Gujarat hosts around four national parks and twenty-one wildlife sanctuaries, including the Marine National Park, Gir National Park, and Indian Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Notable bird sanctuaries in the state include Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Khijadia Bird Sanctuary, and Porbandar Bird Sanctuary.

Importance of Conservation Efforts

• Conservation efforts in Gujarat play a crucial role in preserving its unique biodiversity. For instance, the conservation initiatives at Gir National Park have been instrumental in safeguarding the endangered Asiatic lions, ensuring their survival and preventing their extinction. 
• Similarly, the efforts to protect the Rann of Kutch have helped in maintaining a safe habitat for the wild asses, contributing to their continued existence in the region.

Ecotourism Opportunities

• Ecotourism in Gujarat not only provides a platform for nature enthusiasts to explore the state's diverse ecosystems but also supports local economies and promotes environmental awareness. 
• Tourist attractions like the Velavadar National Park offer visitors the chance to witness the beauty of the blackbuck and other wildlife species in their natural habitats.

National Parks in Gujarat

• Gir National Park: Established in 1965, Gir National Park covers an area of 1153.42 sq. km. It is located in Sasan Gir, Junagadh, Amreli. The park is home to a variety of species including lions, leopards, chausinga, chital, hyenas, sambhar, chinkara, crocodiles, and various birds.
• Blackbuck National Park: Established in 1976, Blackbuck National Park spans 34.08 sq. km. It is situated in Velavader, Bhavnagar. The major species found here are blackbucks, wolves, houbara bustards, harriers, lesser floricans, and other wildlife.
• Vansda National Park: Vansda National Park was established in 1979 and covers an area of 23.99 sq. km. It is located in Vansda, Navasari. The park is known for species like leopards, hyenas, chital, chausinga, birds, and other wildlife.
• Marine National Park: Established in 1980, Marine National Park covers an area of 295.03 sq. km. It is situated in the Gulf of Kachchh, Jamnagar. The park is a habitat for various marine life including sponges, corals, jellyfish, seahorses, octopuses, oysters, pearl oysters, starfish, lobsters, dolphins, dugongs, and waterfowls.