Fauna of Gujarat

The fauna of Gujarat, a state in Western India, includes fauna from ecosystems such the coast of the Arabian Sea, the semi-arid forests on the Kathiawar Peninsula, and the arid salt flats of the Rann of Kutch.^[1]

An estimated more than 500 species of mammals, 2,000 species of birds, and a wide range^{[clarification needed]} of insects, fish, amphibians, and reptiles live in Gujarat. The Asiatic lion, an endangered species, is found in Gir National Park, the sole natural habitat for lions outside of Africa. Gujarat's coastal areas, including the Gulf of Khambhat and the Gulf of Kutch, contain fish, crustaceans, and migratory birds.^[2] Gujarat's fauna is conserved by protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks.

History[edit]

In the early 1980s, palaeontologists found dinosaur egg fossil sites containing hatcheries and remains of at least 13 dinosaur species in Balasinor.^[3] One find was that of a carnivorous abelisaurid named Rajasaurus narmadensis which lived in the Late Cretaceous period.

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, found in Gir Forest, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, and other forested areas. Sloth bears inhabit the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary.^[4] The Blackbuck is a common sight in Velavadar National Park and the Little Rann of Kutch.^[5] The Indian Rhinoceros can be found in the Wild Ass Sanctuary within the Little Rann of Kutch.

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

In the coastal regions, Humpback Dolphins and Dugongs can be found. These dolphins are often spotted in the Gulf of Kutch and the Arabian Sea.^[6]

^ "Gujarat". Brittanica. 2024-01-11.
^ 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.
^ "The wonders of India's Jurassic Park". 2010-05-11. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
^ Singh, H. S. (2013). Mammals in Gujarat. Gujarat Forest Department and Gujarat State Biodiversity Board.
^ 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.
^ "Gulf of Kutch IMMA". Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force. Retrieved 2024-02-16.