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Villavader National Park: Gujarat’s Forgotten Grassland Haven
This is Gujarat’s grassland haven. Home to some of India’s rarely seen mammals.
Species that thrive in this forgotten habitat.
From stunning blackbucks to the great ghost of the grasslands, a surprising number of diverse birds can also be found in this unique landscape. These are the stories from Villavader National Park.
A Hidden National Park in Gujarat
In the western Indian state of Gujarat lies one of the smallest national parks in India. The Parvalia and Alang rivers flow towards the muddy coastline, and in doing so, they close Villavader and form a natural boundary. This natural barrier protects an area of approximately 34 square kilometers.
This protected space offers a rare sanctuary to grasslands—habitats that are often dismissed as wasteland in India. But in reality, this landscape is full of life.
Life Thriving in the Grasslands
The massive nilgais stand tall in the open terrain. Their dark bluish shades give them an almost mythical appearance against the wide grassland backdrop. But hidden deep within the grass is a small predator.
A jungle cat moves silently, blending perfectly into the dry grass as it stalks its prey. Nearby, gray francolins dig merrily into the coarse ground in search of food. One of them stands alert—a sentinel ready to sound an alarm.
The cat pauses, assessing its options.
An Unexpected Encounter
As the cat scans the burnt grass, it suddenly becomes aware of another presence. Something barely visible is moving through the deep brown grass. The animal’s movement is slow and unusual.
It is a striped hyena—one of the world’s most elusive large carnivores.
Striped hyenas are rarely seen in the wild, making this a truly special moment. This female hyena is moving with purpose, heading toward something hidden in the grass.
There is movement ahead. Do these unseen creatures know she is coming?
A Mother’s Journey
She locks her gaze and moves closer. But this is no hunt. We are mistaken—she is not searching for food at all. This striped hyena is a mother who has traveled a long distance across the grasslands to tend to her litter. As she approaches the den, her tail wags with happiness. Suddenly, four cubs emerge, filled with unfiltered joy.
The Misunderstood Striped Hyena
Striped hyenas are among the most misunderstood animals. They are scavengers, playing a vital role by cleaning up dead and decaying matter. They are extremely shy creatures and prefer to stay far away from human presence.
As the mother lies down to feed her cubs, the moment is deeply moving.
Striped hyenas are classified as near threatened, and in India, they receive the same level of legal protection as tigers. Her cubs are incredibly precious and highly protected.
A Safe Haven in the Grass
Some of the cubs finish feeding quickly and begin to play in the grass. Their mother’s presence allows them to explore near the den with complete confidence and joy.
In Villavader National Park, this overlooked grassland becomes a stage for rare wildlife stories—quiet, powerful, and deeply important.
A Brief Moment of Safety
Feeding time is short. The cubs try to make the most of their time outside, knowing it won’t last long. Their mother will soon get up and leave again.
She looks around carefully, briefly revealing her powerful jaws—jaws strong enough to crush bones. Her search for food must continue, even if it means leaving her cubs behind.
But the cubs are smart.
The moment they see their mother disappear into the brown grass, they instinctively retreat and hide, blending perfectly into their surroundings.
The Blackbuck Stronghold of Villavader
Villavader is also home to one of the largest populations of a stunning antelope species—the blackbuck.
In the wild, blackbucks are found only in the Indian subcontinent. Once, large herds of these iconic animals roamed freely across much of India. However, unrestricted hunting and widespread habitat loss drastically reduced their numbers. Protected areas like Villavader now offer tremendous hope for their survival.
Because of the significant population found here, this place is often referred to as Blackbuck National Park.
Life Among the Herds
Female blackbucks and young males gather together in large groups. Drongos happily hitch rides on their backs, hoping to catch insects disturbed by the grazing antelopes. Adult bachelor males, however, prefer to graze far away on their own.
These antelopes are extremely adaptable and hardy. They feed on rough, dry grass and have evolved to survive in a landscape that experiences heavy seasonal rainfall followed by months of bone-dry conditions.
Although resilient, they still require regular access to water. The wetland within Villavader provides them with an ample and reliable supply.
Without strict protection, such a magnificent sight of these graceful antelopes would not be possible today.
A History Marked by Loss
Long ago, the blackbuck’s range extended across the entire Indian subcontinent. Throughout history, they were hunted in large numbers and frequently represented in Indian art across different periods and empires.
Over time, relentless hunting and habitat destruction caused their populations and range to collapse to alarming levels.
Today, blackbucks survive only in fragmented populations within a highly reduced range. Places like Villavader are now their strongest refuges.
Here, they roam freely, displaying natural behaviors without the constant threat of being hunted.
The Rituals of the Bucks
Male antelopes, known as bucks, are extremely sensitive to females that may be coming into estrus. By lifting their heads and smelling the air, a buck tries to determine which female may be worth pursuing. Driven by hormones, this buck has only one thing on his mind. But his effort alone is not enough.
The does are highly selective and difficult to impress, making the process of courtship both competitive and challenging in the open grasslands of Villavader.
Tension in the Grasslands
In his efforts, the buck almost looks like the definition of someone trying too hard. As he moves through the herd, every doe appears desperate to get away from him.
While the buck continues his frantic search for a partner, other antelopes remain positioned along the edges of the grasslands. They are alert. Something feels wrong.
Twitching ears and wide, glazing eyes reveal a heightened awareness—a sixth sense telling them that danger is close.
It is time to stop feeding.
It is time to be alert.
The Silent Threat of the Indian Wolf
These grasslands are also home to Indian wolves—endangered carnivores for whom Villavader provides a rare and vital refuge. A herd at the far end of the grasslands remains unaware. But some antelopes along the edge have spotted something moving.
The wolf breaks cover and makes a direct run toward the herd. The path, however, is not ideal. Rough grass and uneven terrain prevent a clean, direct chase.
Now the antelopes see it.
They scatter instantly, sprinting across the open landscape.
Wolves are capable of running long distances without tiring, but this herd is already out of reach.
The antelopes slow and turn to watch as the wolf passes by. With no opportunity left, the predator does what it must—marks its territory and moves on.
Beyond the Grasslands: Villavader’s Wetlands
The landscape of Villavader is not limited to grasslands alone.
The park also protects an impressive wetland ecosystem, providing a haven for numerous bird species that depend on water for survival.
Large numbers of spoonbills and other waterbirds gather in small isolated islands known as bits. These patches offer safe spaces to rest and forage.
Painted storks patrol the shallow edges of the wetland. Using their long legs, they disturb the muddy bottom, exposing larvae and grubs that quickly become a meal.
A Seasonal Visitor
While most of these birds remain close to the water, one delightful winter visitor ventures further out. It forages among the rough grasslands, linking the wetlands and open plains in this interconnected ecosystem.
In Villavader, grasslands and wetlands together create a fragile balance—one where predators, prey, and birds coexist in a landscape often overlooked, yet deeply alive.
Winter Visitors of the Grasslands
These are Eurasian, or common, cranes. The arid plains and grasslands of India serve as important wintering grounds for these long-legged, long-distance travelers. As temperatures begin to rise, they will start their long journey back to their breeding grounds in Central Asia and Siberia.
Despite their resilience, these cranes still face many threats—habitat loss, hunting, and increasing pressure on wetlands. That is why seeing them up close is such a special experience.
Their presence here is a strong sign that Bellavadeu is not only a refuge for endangered mammals like striped hyenas and Indian wolves, but also for migratory birds that depend on safe winter habitats.
Life on the Ground and Near Water
During winter, Eurasian cranes spend most of their time foraging on the ground. Their diet includes seeds, roots, and almost anything edible they can find in the grasslands.
The nearby wetlands play a crucial role in their survival, providing a reliable source of water. This close connection between grasslands and wetlands makes Bellavadeu an ideal winter home for many beautiful bird species, including these elegant cranes.
Documenting Bellavadeu’s Wildlife
We spent two and a half days in and around Bellavadeu Blackbuck National Park, gathering the footage and stories you’ve just read.
For a long time, grasslands like these were dismissed as wasteland. But witnessing the impressive numbers of blackbucks now thriving here was truly a pleasure.
Our visit took place in March 2025, near the end of the winter season. Even then, we were fortunate to observe several raptors, including harriers, that had not yet begun their migration.
These harriers were joined by a diverse mix of resident and migratory birds, all adapted to survive in this harsh ecosystem.
A Landscape Worth Protecting
On the ground, a variety of mammal species roam the grasslands—animals that have firmly placed Bellavadeu on the map as one of the finest locations for wildlife watching in India.
Together, the grasslands, wetlands, birds, and mammals tell a powerful story:
what was once overlooked is now revealed as a vital, living ecosystem worth protecting.
Conclusion
Villavader Blackbuck National Park proves that grasslands are far more than empty land. From thriving blackbuck herds to elusive predators and migratory birds, this small protected area plays a big role in conserving India’s wildlife. Villavader stands as a quiet but powerful reminder of why grassland ecosystems deserve protection, respect, and recognition.
