Banni Grasslands

• The Gujarat government said that the central government has approved setting up a cheetah breeding and conservation centre in Banni Grassland
• The government said a proposal had been sent to the centre which has been accepted.
• Banni Grassland used to be the habitat of cheetahs, which became extinct over time.

About Banni Grassland

• Banni Grassland, considered one of the finest, spans 2,618 sq km and is located along the northern border of Kutch.
• It is also home to 40,000 Maldharis, a pastoral community known for rearing high-yielding buffaloes and cows.
• Banni comprises grassland and wetlands with rich flora and fauna.
• The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary which spans over an area of 380 Sq. km and the recently notified 227 Sq. km Chhari Dhand Conservation Reserve are part of the Banni Grasslands.
• Research estimates indicate approximately 200 species of plants, 250 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
  • Flora – Prosopis Juliflora, Cressa critica, Cyperus spp, Sporobolus, Dichanthium, and Aristida.
  • Fauna- Nilgai, Chinkara, Blackbuck, Wild boar, Golden Jackal, Indian Hare, Indian Wolf, Caracal, Asiatic Wildcat and Desert Fox, Banni buffalo and the Kankrej cow etc.
• The grassland is facing encroachment due to increased agricultural activities.