Nannaj GIB Sanctuary

Nannaj GIB Sanctuary -

India is blessed with a variety of habitats that hold varied birdlife. However, most of these habitats are under threat from something or the other. From these, the Grassland habitats in particular are the first to encroached upon, on the pretext that these are wastelands. However, they are one of the most bio-diversity rich habitats that hold an amazing variety of birdlife. Once, there were far stretching areas which had grasslands throughout India, but sadly very few remain now (apart from the Terai Grasslands)……notably amongst them are Banni grasslands, Naliya, Velavadar and LRK in Gujarat, Rollapadu in Andhra Pradesh, Ghatigoan & Karera Bustard sanctuary in M.P., Sorson and Sonkhaliya in Rajasthan, Rannebennur in Karnataka, Rehekuri, Ozhar, Mayureshwar & Nannaj in Maharashtra.

With the exploitation of grasslands, the flagship species namely the Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Indian Wolf, Blackbuck are also threathened. Infact there are fewer than 400 GIBs that are believed to remain in the whole world and are critically endangered. Not many know that this majestic bird was once a strong contender for the position of our national bird……but the tricky name got him out of the race.

Nannaj GIB Sanctuary : One such amazing grassland / scrubland is the famous Nannaj GIB sanctuary, approx. 22 kms from Solapur.

Nannaj is a small village approx. 22 Kms away from the main city Solapur, Maharashtra.The total area covered under sanctuary is approx. 600 hectars. However, it is not a continous strech, but a discontinous area which is divided into various plots, some of which are owned by Govt. and some are Private land.

The area called "100 Hectar" is a plot of 100 hectars, and is the core area of the sanctuary where the breeding pairs have been observed. Recent census has put the estimation to over 20 Great Indian Bustards.... However, the GIBs spread over vast areas in the sanctuary and nearby cultivated fields depending on the availability of food.

Nannaj GIB Sanctuary also holds a very good population of Blackbucks that stroll over leisurely but cautiously around the park and the surrounding area. The main predators of these Blackbucks and the Black-naped hares which abound here are Indian Wolf and Indian Fox. There is a resident pack of 8 wolves in the core area of the sanctuary, that are regularly seen scanning their area with a dominant "Alpha pair".....

Apart from the above flagship species, Nannaj is a great place to see a number of other grassland and scrubland species like larks, pipits, Quails, Francolins, Sandgrouse, Lapwings, Raptors, Coursers, Munias, Doves etc…..

Click some of these links to know more about Nannaj

http://addithebirdie.blogspot.com/2005/10/birding-in-land-of-great-indian.html

http://addithebirde.blogspot.com/2008/07/tiger-in-nannaj-solapur.html

http://krishphoto.com/trip-reports/nannaj-wildlife-sanctuary-aug-06.html

http://nannajthegrassland.blogspot.com/

http://nannaj-wls-our-own-indian-savanna.blogspot.com/

http://bnhsornitho.blogspot.com/2006/09/photo-essay-of-nannaj-trip.html

Though the GIBs are nomads and can spread to a large area, August month is the best time to try and see the bustards in Nannaj area when they seek a safe abode to display and breed in the core area.

Breaking News : The latest News is that about 10 Great Indian Bustards have arrived in the core area since 28th July'08..... One of the largest contingents in recent times :-)