Question

The Indian wild ass (Asinus hemionus) is found in:
(a)Garhwal Himalayas
(b)Plateau of Ladakh
(c)Thar desert
(d)Rann of Kutch

Answer 1

Hint: The Indian wild ass (Asinus heminous) is restricted to the dry and saline regions and was included in the Red data book as per IUCN threat criteria as nearly threatened.

Complete answer:
The Indian wild ass (Asinus hemionus) range largely in the wild ass sanctuary in Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and surrounding areas. It is also found in some parts of Pakistan (Sindh and Balochistan region) and some boundaries of Rajasthan.
Physiologically they are larger than Donkeys and weigh 200-290 kg and 2.1-2.5 m in head-body length. Its coat is usually sandy in appearance and it possesses an erect dark mane that runs along the back of the neck and head. The mane is then followed by a dark brown stripe running along the back, to the root of the tail. They feed on grass, leaves, and fruits of plants, etc. and they graze in between dusk and dawn. Males usually appear larger than females and the coat is of sandy color. It is the fastest Indian animal known that can attain a speed of 70-80kmph.
Several reasons for their ecological and habitat disturbances are:
- Change in land-use patterns due to Mega Narmada Dam Project and the Sardar Sarovar canals.
-Illegal salt panning in Kutch, therefore disturbing the hydrological regimes of Rann.
-Man-animal conflict also occurs due to the destroying of crops by the wild ass.
-Many highways pass through this sanctuary and hence increased the risk of mortality due to traffic.
So, the correct answer is, ‘Rann of Kutch’.

Note: -Male Indian wild ass is also known as stallion and female as mares.
-Mating occurs during the rainy season.