Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur)
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
- CITES: Appendix II
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
The Indian Wild Ass, locally known as Khur, is a subspecies of the Asiatic Wild Ass (Equus hemionus). It is uniquely adapted to the harsh desert ecosystem of Gujarat’s Little Rann of Kutch, where it thrives despite extreme arid conditions. This species plays an important ecological role and is considered a symbol of the fragile desert ecosystem.
Distribution
- Current Range: Restricted to Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
- Historical Range: Once widespread across northwestern India, Pakistan, and Central Asia
Habitat & Ecology
- Habitat: Arid deserts and open grassland ecosystems
- Food Source: Primarily feeds on desert grasses, especially those found on the islands (bets) within the Rann