NEWS – According to the 10th Wild Ass Population Estimation (WAPE) conducted in 2024, the population of wild asses in Gujarat has risen to 7,672, marking a 26.14% increase from the 2020 estimate of 6,082.

HIGHLIGHTS

Conservation Status and Habitat

• Endangered Status: Wild asses are listed as an “endangered species” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act in India.
• Historical Range: Previously found in North-West India, Pakistan, and Central Asia, they are now only found in the Little Rann and Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

Regional Distribution

• Top Regions for Wild Asses:
  • Surendranagar: 2,705 wild asses
  • Kutch: 1,993 wild asses
  • Patan: 1,615 wild asses
  • Banaskantha: 710 wild asses
  • Morbi: 642 wild asses
  • Ahmedabad: 7 wild asses

Detailed Breakdown

• Wild Asses in Forest and Sanctuary Areas:
  • Females: 2,569
  • Males: 1,114
  • Babies: 584
  • Unclassified: 2,206
• Wild Asses in Revenue Areas:
  • Females: 558
  • Males: 190
  • Babies: 168
  • Unclassified: 283

WAPE-2024 Methodology

• Survey Area and Methods: Conducted over a 15,510 sq. km area using the Direct Count Method. Enumerators were trained in both conventional and modern techniques, including the use of drones, camera traps, and forest modules.

State Government Efforts

• Growth Since 1976: The population of wild asses has been increasing since 1976 when the number stood at 720 due to the Gujarat government’s conservation efforts.

Other Wildlife Enumerated

• Additional Species Counted: The survey also recorded populations of other animals, including:
  • Asian Antelope: 2,734
  • Wild Boar: 915
  • Indian Hare: 222
  • Indian Gazelle: 214
  • Indian Jackal: 153