India’s grassland wildlife: Great Rann, Tal Chhapar & Velavadar for species most safaris ignore 

When we talk about Indian wildlife, the picture that comes to our minds is a tiger stalking in a dense forest, elephants wandering in Sal or teak woodland, or rhinos grazing in a floodplain. India’s wildlife tourism revolves around these landscapes and wild animals. Yet hidden in plain sight lies an extraordinary ecosystem of India that supports a biodiversity that is not found in any other place: the grasslands.

Grasslands are unique ecosystems; they not only help to fix the carbon from the atmosphere and stop soil erosion but also support an array of biodiversity, which is unique to this ecosystem.

India’s grasslands are varied in nature, which supports everything from small insects to big fauna like rhinos, tigers, and elephants. These grasslands are distributed in almost all landscapes of India, from the high Himalayas to the Western Ghats and from the desert to the northeast of India.

Though small or large, grasslands are part of almost every forest and landscape, but if we talk about protected areas specifically created to protect only grasslands, then there are very few that exist, and some of them are situated in the western parts of India, especially in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, which are known for their unique wildlife and scenic landscapes.

In this blog, we will discuss the unique grassland ecosystem and the major fauna found in western India.

Why India’s Grasslands Are Its Most Overlooked and Most Threatened Ecosystem

For decades India’s grasslands were struggling to get their identity; for long they were termed as wasteland because they lacked dense tree cover. This resulted in the conversion of millions of hectares of prime grasslands into agricultural land, plantations, industrial projects, and infrastructure developments.

In reality, these grassland ecosystems are among the most biodiverse. They support a unique assemblage of species adapted to this unique ecosystem; most of them cannot survive in other ecosystems like forests. 

Grasslands are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world, disappearing quickly. Their decline causes many species to the brink of extinction. Conservationists from all over the world are now insisting on protecting the remaining grasslands.

For a wildlife lover, the grasslands are great places to observe wildlife in the open, while dense forests make seeing an animal more difficult. One can see grassland birds, animals, and insects effortlessly, and it is easy to photograph them as well.

Great Indian Bustard — The World’s Heaviest Flying Bird and Why It May Vanish

The Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered species of bustard endemic to the Indian subcontinent, is considered India’s most endangered bird species. Once widespread in the savannah and arid grasslands of central and western India, this bird is now found in only a few pockets of its previous distribution range, confined only to Rajasthan and Gujarat states.

 

 

Standing around one metre tall and weighing up to 15 kg, the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is considered the world’s heaviest flying bird. Their majestic appearance, slow movement, and intricate breeding display make it one of India’s most charismatic species of bird.

Yet the species is facing several threats:

1. Loss of habitat
2. Disturbance from developmental projects
3. Collisions with overhead power lines

Power line collisions killed a significant number of birds each year. The population of GIB is less than a hundred, which makes every mortality of the species a setback to their conservation efforts. The government of India is serious about their conservation. Project Great Indian Bustard has been started with a captive breeding programme at two centres in India: Desert National Park in the Jaisalmer district and Pokhran, both in Rajasthan. Both of these centres are jointly managed by the State Forestry Department and the Wildlife Institute of India. These centres have successfully grown a captive population of 70 birds. The project has even achieved milestones like artificial insemination and the successful hatching of new chicks.

Seeing a GIB in its habitat near Desert National Park is considered one of the greatest birding experiences for a serious birder.

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary — Raptor Spectacle in Winter, Wolves in Summer

Tal Chhapar Wildlife sanctuary though small in size but is a significant grassland sanctuary of India, located in Rajasthan. The sanctuary is only 220 kms. from Jaipur, a major tourist destination of India. The sanctuary is known for its scenic natural beauty and unique ecosystem. The sanctuary is situated on the pathway of migratory passage of exotic birds, especially the harriers that pass over the sanctuary in September. The sanctuary is also renowned for its population of blackbucks. 

The Kingdom of Blackbuck

Tal Chhapar is known for its Blackbuck population, a species of antelope, endemic to Indian subcontinent known for the males’ spiraled horns and incredible speed. A large herd of this elegant antelope can be spotted grazing in the grasslands during the early morning and late evening hours, creating spectacular photographic opportunities.

 

 

A winter paradise for birds

Tal Chhapar is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The sanctuary is very popular among the birdwatchers and is specially known for its bird of prey population and diversity. This area is known for a large population of spiny tailed lizards, which attracts many birds of prey.

The raptors found in Tal Chhapar are:

1. Montagu’s Harrier
2. Pallid Harrier
3. Marsh Harrier
4. Imperial Eagle
5. Tawny Eagle
6. Laggar Falcon
7. Kestrels
8. Buzzards 

 At sunset, hundreds of harriers descend simultaneously into the grasslands to roost, creating one of India’s most remarkable bird spectacles. 

Summer and the Wolves

When temperature rises, another predator makes his appearance in the sanctuary, the Indian gray wolf. Tal Chhapar is among the best places in India to see the Indian Grey Wolf. Unlike their forest dwelling cousins elsewhere in the world, the Indian wolves are adopted to the open grasslands and arid and semi-arid areas.

Velavadar — India’s Best Short-eared Owl Grassland and Resident Wolf Territory 

Velavadar is known as one of the best grasslands protected area of India, despite its small size of 34 sq. km. only it supports an exceptional biodiversity of arid grassland ecosystem. Due to its biodiversity value, it is given the highest form of protection in India as a national park. More than 190 species of birds have been reported from here so far. It is known for roosting of harriers, largest concentration of lesser florican during  the monsoon and predators like wolf and hyena. 

Land of the Blackbuck

The national park holds the distinction of having the world’s largest population of blackbucks. Watching thousands of these graceful antelopes roam the grasslands of Velavadar is an amazing experience and a reminder of African Savannah. 

The Realm of the Indian Wolf

The good population of blackbucks and other antelopes supports a healthy population of predators also. The area is known for predators like striped hyena, golden jackal, jungle cat and Indian fox but the top predator is Indian Grey wolf. Velavadar is known for sightings of wolves, hyenas and foxes. 

 

 

Harriers roosting Ground

Velavadar is reported as the largest roosting ground in the world for four species of harriers. Western Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s harrier, hen harrier, and Pallid harrier migrate to the park in winter. 

The Spectacle of Short-eared Owls

During winter this area becomes famous for arrival of short-eared owls among birdwatchers. These owls arrive in good numbers and can be seen hunting on their prey even in daylight. 

Little Rann of Kutch — Wild Ass, Flamingos and the White Desert

A landscape which looks like it is not on earth but on some other planet. This vast seasonal salt marsh transforms throughout the year. During monsoon most of it is submerged, when water recedes, a large expanse of white desert emerges which stretches to the horizon. This landscape looks very strange during the moonlight. 

The Indian Wild Ass

The landscape supports the last remaining population of Indian wild ass, locally known as ‘Khur’. This handsome equid was once distributed across Pakistan and western India but is now restricted to the Rann of Kutch in Gujrat. They are fast and alert and highly adapted to the arid condition of Rann. Conservation of wild ass in their habitat is one of the success stories of India.

 

 

Flamingo City

A large congregation of flamingoes in Rann of Kutch was called as ‘Flamingo City’ by noted ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali. Here thousands of greater and lesser flamingos congregate and develop the large nesting colonies deep inside the salt flats. The sight of pink flamingoes against the white desert is one of the most spectacular birding experiences. 

A Desert Rich in Wildlife

The region also supports:

• Desert Fox
• Indian Fox
• Chinkara
• Desert Cat
• Macqueen’s Bustard
• Numerous migratory birds
• Raptors and waterfowl

Best Months Per Species

Timing is crucial when planning a grassland safari.

Great Indian Bustard

Best period: November to March.

Raptors at Tal Chhapar

Best period: October to March.

Indian Wolf

Best period: March to June.

Short-eared Owl at Velavadar

Best period: November to February.

Flamingos in the Great Rann

Best period: November to February.

Indian Wild Ass

Best period: November to March.

Blackbuck

Throughout the year but winter months or early summers are better.

Combining Grassland and Desert Safaris in a Gujarat-Rajasthan Itinerary

For a wildlife traveler who wanted something without the big cats or a serious birdwatcher combining the grasslands of Rajasthan and Gujrat creates one of the most rewarding wildlife circuits of India.

 

 

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1–2: Ahmedabad arrival and transfer to Velavadar.

Day 3–4: Multiple safaris in Velavadar focusing on wolves, owls and Blackbuck.

Day 5–7: Proceed to the Little Rann of Kutch for wild ass, flamingos and desert wildlife.

Day 8: transfer to Jodhpur. Overnight in Jodhpur

Day 9: Morning post breakfast drive to Tal Chhapar

Day 10-11: Explore Tal Chhapar for raptors and grassland mammals.

Day 12: Transfer to Jaipur for onward journey 

This itinerary can also be combined with:

• Gir National Park for Asiatic Lions
• Jaisalmer’s desert landscapes
• Cultural experiences in Bhuj and Bikaner

The result is a safari experience completely different from India’s forest destinations.

Why This Suits Birders and Mammal-Watchers Equally

Few destinations in India cater so effectively to both birdwatchers and mammal enthusiasts.

Birders can enjoy:

• Great Indian Bustard
• Flamingos
• Harriers
• Short-eared Owls
• Eagles and falcons
• Desert birds and migrants

Mammal enthusiasts can look for:

• Indian Wolf
• Blackbuck
• Indian Wild Ass
• Chinkara
• Desert Fox
• Indian Fox

A Different Face of Wild India

India’s wildlife tour is not limited only to tigers alone.

The country ranks amongst the biodiverse rich nations of the world which are not only evident from its biodiversity hotspots but also the area which is not covered under this. The arid and semi-arid zones and their grasslands are unique in terms of wildlife and are home to several species of mammals, birds and reptile endemic to the region. Watching them in open landscape is an experience which is unmatched.