Fig. The breeding tract includes the Banni area of Kutchchh district of Gujarat. Banni is one of the large grassland of India invaded by Prosopis juliflora, an alien plant species. Owing to the fact that RAMBLE is not a registered body, any complaint will ultimately need to be addressed by the organisation that the affected individual is part of. Banni is situated in Arid climate, with high temperature in most of time which reached maximum up to 48°C -50°C during May June and winter temperature goes down to 5°C – 8°C during December January. The Banni is also home to 22 ethnic groups, the majority of whom are pastoralists, spread across 48 settlements in 19 Panchayats, with a population of close to 40,000 people. Many factors have served to shape Banni over time, including the damming of rivers, the introduction and spread of the invasive. Banni Grasslands Reserve or Banni grasslands form a belt of arid grassland ecosystem on the outer southern edge of the desert of the marshy salt flats of Rann of Kutch in Kutch District, Gujarat State, India.They are known for rich wildlife and biodiversity and are spread across an area of 3,847 square kilometers. Spanning over 2600 square kilometres, this pasture land has over 30 varieties of grass. S/he is the first point of contact for any information on RAMBLE, and provides a half-yearly progress report to the RAMBLE Management Committee. Such enclosures are a reflection of a more sedentarized form of pastoralism, but are also responsible for changing the terms on which pastoralists access the Banni as a common property. 2 Birds of Banni Grassland Birds of Banni Grassland Banni, an unique landscape and flourishing grassland, is endowed with fascinating history, geography, biodiversity, and a rich cultural heritage. Banni grassland supports numerous animal genetic resources like Banni buffalo, Kankrej Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Camel, and horse. Primary Causes of Degradation Agriculture & Livestock, Climate Change, Invasive Species (native or non-native pests, pathogens or plants), Urbanization, Transportation & Industry Degradation Description. Banni Grasslands Reserve is known for rich wildlife and biodiversity and are spread across an area of 3,847 square kilometres. AHMEDABAD: Central government is considering Banni Grassland in Kutch for introducing cheetahs in country. The Banni Grassland is an area of approx. The Maldhari, the Banni Grassland and animal genetic resources of Banni are mutually inter-dependent and any adverse impact on one necessarily affects the wellbeing of the others. The grasslands are sprawled over more than 3500 sq kms and several wildlife species live here, including chinkara, blackbuck, Indian wolf, desert fox and also the Indian Wild Ass. The Director oversees all day-to-day functioning of the field station, including the use of all field station facilities. When research involves human participants, it is expected that researchers will respect the autonomy of the individual, show concern for the welfare of participants and act to benefit or promote the well-being of participants. Banni region, situated at 23°19’N to 23°52’N to 68°56’E  to 70°32’E, comprises around 3000 sq.km area under Bhuj taluka of Kutch district, is home of Muslim nomadic pastoralists and Meghwal Hindus. Soils deposited by the rivers and the wind, made the land of Banni richer enough that is could generate diverse grass species, once reported up to 40 grass species, mostly palatable with saline grass species. Banni grassland supports numerous animal genetic resources like Banni buffalo, Kankrej Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Camel, and horse. al, 2014). Damming of rivulets on the upstream of Banni grasslands are also responsible for increase of salinity in the Banni grassland. At TERI, we … They are currently legally protected under the status as a protected or reserve forest in India. Even though grassland species of Banni have developed a variety of drought adaptations, a severe drought, perhaps, is the most important natural factor responsible for its degradation. The Banni grassland in Gujarat’s Kachchh district is one of the largest grasslands in the Indian subcontinent with an area of over 2500 sq.km. The Director is expected to manage the Ramble Maintenance Fund, oversee RAMBLE’s annual budget and assist in fund-raising for RAMBLE. Their rights to graze the Banni are derived from historical rulers of the region who granted these rights in return for a grazing tax. RAMBLE adheres to universal concepts of justice and equity while remaining sensitive to the cultural norms and practices of the localities where the research is carried out. This grassland acts as breeding and nesting ground for more than 250 bird species, including resident, winter migratory birds. With every monsoon peering in the Grasslands, Banni witnesses increasing number of marsh wetlands. The Banni Grassland. The region also serves as a breeding ground for the Banni buffalo and the Kankrej cow, sold in many parts of the country. RAMBLE's complaints committee will assist the complainant's organisation in undertaking a thorough review of the complaint. Where necessary researchers will obtain informed consent and protect  the anonymity and confidentiality of any respondents. It has a rich and long history of migratory pastoralism dating back at least 500 years, and links with a broader geographical landscape that included Sindh and Balochistan in Pakistan, and even Afghanistan. The Banni Grasslands, located in Kutch, Gujarat, supports the traditional graziers of this region. Purebred animals prevalent in Bhuj, Nakhatrana, Anjar, Bhaahau, Lakhpat, Rapar and Khavda talukas, are heavily size with typical double and vertical coiling of the horn. If you are interested in supporting us, please contact us at: The management committee appoints and oversees the RAMBLE Director. Map made with Datawrapper. Fauna of Banni Grassland of Kachchh, Gujarat, India GEER Foundation - Fauna of Chhari Dhandh Wetland and Its Environs GUIDE - Faunal Diversity of Arid Banni Grasslands of Kachchh District, Gujarat Shajeevan, Kachchh - Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) of Maldharis on Animal Health Care in Banni Region, Kachchh, Gujarat The Banni grasslands used to look like an oasis in Kutch: The district’s usual dry and sandy terrain would transform into a green carpet. The Management Committee is expected to undertake fund-raising on behalf of RAMBLE and to undertake a half-yearly review of its budget. The place Banni (meaning bani hui, or ready made) gets its name from its geological past, the land was formed from the sediments deposited by several rivers that flowed through the region over several thousand years. fig 1) (Mehta et. A central government Environmental Information System, known as ENVIS, update in 2015 recognised the salt marsh grasslands of Kutch as a distinct grassland type. Not anymore. km. A Shepherd at Banni. The Management Committee provides formal approval for any such programme, with the expectation that these will conform to RAMBLE’s general objectives. Apart from being one of the biggest grasslands in the Asian region spanning an area of 2,497 sq km, it … The case of vanishing grasslands of Banni, Kutch presents some unique insights into how an ecosystem responds to policy decisions. This committee is expected to provide approval on research projects proposed to be undertaken by researchers or partner institutions; ensure that all research is compliant with its research ethics policy; and administers the Jaikrishna Indraji Thaker Research Opportunity. Key grasslands, such as Banni, shola grasslands of the Western Ghats and the once-extensive grasslands of the terai region need protection as key biodiversity hotspots in their own right. The Banni region emerged from the sea as a result of tectonic activities, received soils from the rivers flown from Bhuj mainland and ends in Greater Rann of Kutch. Though, in last three decades Banni grassland slowly started losing its original ecosystem due to invasion of prosopis juliflora, a foreign alien species promoted initially by state agencies. Though declared a protected forestmore than half a century ago Gujarat state's forest department has recently p… Pastoral lifestyle of the communities not only conserved its rich animal genetic resources but also protected the Banni grassland ecosystem. We believe that nature has entrusted us with the responsibility to protect the The Banni buffalo travels a distance of about 10 to 15 kilometres to reach these grasslands … Spread across an area of 3,847 square kilometers, Banni Grassland Reseve are currently legally protected under the status as a Protected or Reserve Forest in India. This is the Maldhari bio-cultural community protocol. Formation Banni Breeders’ Association in the region started negotiating with states on the pastoral rights and rights of grazing in Banni grassland under Forest Rights Act 2006. Nearest to CEDO is the Banni Grassland where we spent a lot of time. Banni Grasslands The Banni grassland is located on the northern border of Bhuj taluka (23° 19‟ 23° 52‟ N latitude and 68° 56‟ to 70° 32‟ E longitude) of Kachchh district in Gujarat State (ref. It has been identified as one of the last remaining habitants of … The inherently saline soil, deposited by long lost river systems, is naturally suited for nutritious grasses. 2500 km 2 in the Kutch district of Gujarat and is among the largest tropical grasslands in Asia (Read More). A variety of outreach programmes undertaken by partner organizations use the RAMBLE facilities. Over the past year or so, pastoralist institutions have sought to involve the National Green Tribunal in requiring the government to remove these enclosures. km of land has been enclosed by pastoralists seeking to grow fodder for their livestock, and castor and cluster beans for the market. The Maldhari, the Banni grassland and the animal genetic resources of Banni are mutually inter-dependent and any adverse impact on one necessarily affects the well-being of the others. The Banni grassland is … Banni is home to great biological diversity, with over 40 grass species, 275 bird species, reptilian and mammal populations, and domesticated animals, such as the Banni buffalo, Kankrej cow, sheep, goats, horses and the mangrove dwelling Kharai camel alongside the better-known scrub-forest Kachhi camel. Many of the Banni’s plant, bird, reptile, and mammal species are threatened. Ecological research classified the Banni grassland in 1973 based on the dominant grass genera found here: Dichanthium, Cenchrus and Lasiurus. The total area of Banni grassland is about 3847 sq. Maldharis are spread over 48 hamlets that are organized into 19 Panchayats. It is essentially a belt of dry grassland with a thriving ecosystem on the edge of the Rann of Kutch. The Banni grassland in Kutch district is a natural, unique and complex ecosystem. The Management Committee facilitates the sharing of research outcomes and results with the BPUMS Executive Committee. This grassland acts as breeding and nesting ground for more than 250 bird species, including resident, winter migratory birds. The Banni grasslands spread across 3000 square km in northwest Gujarat’s Kachchh district. All participants in any RAMBLE research will be treated fairly, equitably, and with dignity. A relatively small portion of the latter are met by researchers and other users who pay for the use of RAMBLE facilities. It is still referred to as Asia’s finest natural grassland, but all that’s left in Banni are a few green patches amid parched land. It is form a belt of arid grassland ecosystem on the outer southern edge of the desert of the marshy salt flats of Rann of Kutch in Kutch District, Gujarat State, India. The breed is maintained mostly by Maldharis under locally adapted typical extensive production system in its breeding tract. The Maldhari, the Banni grassland and the animal genetic resources of Banni are mutually inter-dependent and any adverse impact on one necessarily affects the well-being of the others. Banni grassland in Kachchh district of Gujarat in India is situated at 69024’ E longitude to 23042’ N latitude axis and spread in about 3847 sq km area. Other than the Banni and Naliya grasslands, there are three types of grassland: Type One comprises of the grasslands on the hilly undulating area of Bhuj, Mandvi, Anjar and Mundra, spread over an area of 4,73,284.80 ha, which is 20.5 per cent of the total area of Kachchh mainland; Type Two includes the grasslands on the hilly … Banni region is a vast salt affected plain and experiences arid climate with average rainfall of 317mm received by southwest monsoon spread between June to September with high coefficient of Variation of 65%. Banni is home to great biological diversity, with over 40 grass species, 275 bird species, reptilian and mammal populations, and domesticated animals, such as the Banni buffalo, Kankrej cow, sheep, goats, horses and the mangrove dwelling Kharai camel alongside the better-known scrub-forest Kachhi camel. In recent years, close to 100 sq. Banni Grasslands Reserve or Banni grasslands form a belt of arid grassland ecosystem on the outer southern edge of the desert of the marshy salt flats of Rann of Kutch in Kutch District, Gujarat State, India. Banni grassland supports numerous animal genetic resources like Banni buffalo, Kankrej Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Camel, and horse. RAMBLE expects all researchers and visitors to RAMBLE to show respect to persons, animals, and the environment. There have been numerous natural wetlands in Banni and the larget one is known as Chhari – Dhandh, a saucer shaped wetland which is recently declared as Conservation Reserve. RAMBLE -- Research and Monitoring in the Banni Landscape -- is an open research platform with the chief mandate of facilitating disciplinary and interdisciplinary research on various aspects of the Banni grassland ecosystem, its pastoral communities, and their interactions with the grassland. The mainstay of Banni‟s economy is livestock rearing. Unique ecological and human histories. 1: Grassland Map of Kachchh Other Grassland areas. It is a region that is both socio-culturally unique and ecologically valuable. A range of partners has generated core funds to meet RAMBLE's capital expenditure costs or have generated research grants that have helped meet annual running costs. Average Annual rainfall, occurring through Southwest monsoon between June to September, is very low of 317mm with coefficient of variation of 65%. The Banni region is a grassland situated, at 23019'N to 23052'N to 68056'E to 70032'E, in the district of Kutch in Gujarat, India. S/he is also expected to oversee the long-term ecological monitoring of the vegetation of the Banni grassland, a core RAMBLE objective, and may also develop his or her own research agenda. Today around 80,000 livestock, mostly Banni buffalo and Kankrej cow, graze these grasslands and well over 100,000 litres of milk is sold every day. They are known for rich wildlife and biodiversity and are spread across an area of 3,847 square kilometres. The Banni grasslands is grassland ecosystem on the edge of the desert of marshy salt of Rann of Kutch,spread across an area of 3,847 square kilometres. Banni Grassland Reseve, Bhuj Overview . In book: Birds of Banni Grassland (pp.47, 197) Chapter: Contributed two illustrations to the "Birds of Banni Grassland" Book; Publisher: Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology The Management Committee designates a Research Committee to oversee all research at RAMBLE. Banni buffaloes are trained to graze on Banni grassland during night and brought to the villages in the morning for milking. Rich in biodiversity and wildlife, the land here was formed from the sediments deposited by the Indus over a thousand years ago. Many scientists, practitioners started working on various ecological, economic aspects will create new knowledge system apart from indigenous technical knowledge of local people, be it on livestock breeding, animal health care, traditional earth technologies, handicraft and traditional water harvesting technologies. It’s a time-tested reality. Banni Grasslands are known for rich wildlife,biodiversity and supports numerous animal genetic resources like Banni buffalo, Kankrej Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Camel and horse. Banni grassland supports numerous animal genetic resources like Banni buffalo, Kankrej Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Camel, and horse. Over the last few years, we have received financial and institutional support from a number of local and international organizations. Even though the grassland facing ecological disturbance, recent recognition of Banni Buffalo as 11th buffalo breed of the country, establishment of dairies, good rainfall in last five years generated hope among the pastoral communities for this livelihood security. The Director is expected to coordinate research by fellows, universities and others and coordinate on all educational and outreach activities. All researchers are expected to endeavour to ensure no aspect of their research will result in any form of harm – material, emotional or intellectual – to individuals that the researcher will interact with. A charismatic species is what it takes for protection status to be accorded to an area of biodiversity value. Banni buffaloes are also known as “Kutchi” or “Kundi”. In the early 1960s, the Gujarat State Forest Department planted. The area, according to forest officials, is … This grassland acts as breeding and nesting ground for more than 250 bird species, including resident, winter migratory birds. This diversity is linked to the range of ecological conditions that characterize the Banni, including a number of seasonal wetlands, periodically high levels of salinity owing to the nearby coast, and the aridity of the Kachchh Desert. Maldharis are spread over 48 hamlets that are organized into 19 Panchayats. These activities also help generate funds for the day-to-day functioning of the field-station. Birds are interesting group of animals which are distributed in all major types habitat. This grassland acts as breeding and nesting ground for more than 250 bird species, including resident, winter migratory birds. Banni Grasslands or the Banni Grassland reserve are tucked into the salty flats of the Kutch District in Gujarat. 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