Banni grassland
Topic: Structure and Physiography of India: Himalayas, Plains, Peninsula, Coasts and Islands · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Banni is one of Asia's largest tropical grasslands. It lies on the edge of the Great Rann of Kachchh in Gujarat. The flat land supports grass that feeds large herds of animals. It is home to the Maldhari herders, who keep livestock, and to the Banni buffalo breed. Today it is threatened by Prosopis juliflora, an invasive shrub. An invasive plant is one brought in from outside that spreads fast and pushes out the local grass.
Example
In the Kachchh district of Gujarat, Maldhari herders graze Banni buffalo on the Banni grassland, just beside the white salt flats of the Great Rann.
Don't confuse with
- Rann of Kachchh: this is a seasonal salt marsh. It floods in the monsoon and turns into a bare white salt flat in the dry season. Banni is the grassland on its edge.