Distribution and Diversity of Grass Species in Banni Grassland, Kachchh District, Gujarat, India

Banni, an internationally recognized unique grassland stretch of Western India. It is a predominantlyflat land with several shallow depressions, which act as seasonal wetlands after monsoon and duringwinter its converts into sedge mixed grassland, an ideal dual ecosystem. An attempt was made todocument ecology, biomass and community based assessment of grasses in Banni, we surveyedsystematically and recorded a total of 49 herbaceous plant species, being used as fodder by livestock.In which, the maximum numbers of species (21 Nos.) were recorded in Echinocloa and Cressahabitat; followed by Sporobolus and Elussine habitat (20 species); and Desmostechia-Aeluropus andCressa habiat (19 species). A total of 21 highest palatable species were recorded in Echinocloa-Cressacommunities followed by Sporobolus-Elussine–Desmostechia (20 species and 18 palatable species)and Aeluropus–Cressa (19 species and 17 palatable species). For long-term conservation of Bannigrassland, we also suggest a participatory co-management plan.