Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary

The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary is a large wildlife sanctuary spread across the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, accessed via Dasada village in Surendranagar district. Established in 1972, it covers about 4,954 sq km and is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India. It is the last natural habitat of the endangered Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur) and supports diverse desert wildlife, migratory birds, and extensive salt flats and scrub desert landscapes.

Visitors can expect a vast saline desert landscape of flat salt flats, scrub, and seasonal wetlands in the Little Rann of Kutch. Access is by guided open-jeep safari from Dasada or Bajana entry points. Visitors can see herds of Indian wild ass, nilgai, chinkara, desert fox, Indian wolf, and numerous migratory birds including flamingos, pelicans and cranes in winter. There are no walking trails inside; all exploration is vehicle-based with a forest guide.

Established in 1972 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and notified in 1973 to protect the endangered Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur). With an area of 4,954 sq km, it is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India and represents the last stronghold of the species, which was once widespread across northwest India.

The sanctuary encompasses the traditional salt desert where the Agariya community has practiced seasonal salt panning for generations. The Little Rann landscape is culturally associated with pastoral Maldhari communities and local desert livelihoods, and the Indian wild ass is locally known as Ghudkhar.