Little Rann of Kutch: Desert Ecology of Banaskantha Border

The eastern edge of Banaskantha district borders the Little Rann of Kutch, a 5,000 sq km salt flat that is one of India's most unusual ecosystems. The Rann floods seasonally during monsoon, then dries to a gleaming white salt crust during winter and summer. It is the last natural habitat of the Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur), with a population of over 6,000 animals. The Wild Ass Sanctuary established in the Little Rann protects this unique equid. Agaria salt workers, who harvest salt from the seasonal salt flats, have practised their hereditary profession for centuries. They camp on the Rann during the 8-month salt season, living in temporary shelters. Traditional salt harvesting uses manual raking and earthen settling pans. The flamingo breeding colonies at Rann of Kutch depend on the seasonal water habitat for nesting. Climate change is altering monsoon timing, threatening both wildlife and salt-worker livelihoods.