Explanation:

• The Banni grassland of Gujarat is one of the largest natural grassland in the Indian subcontinent and an area that is both socio-culturally unique and ecologically valuable. The Banni has a long history of migratory pastoralism going back at least 500 years, and linking with a broader geographical landscape that included Sindh in Pakistan and even extended into parts of Baluchistan and Afghanistan.
• The Banni buffalo, unlike common breeds such as Murrah or Jaffarabadi, can tolerate water scarcity and harsh climatic conditions, while thriving on the natural grasses growing in the area. The Maldharis or tribal herdsmen leave these animals to graze during the night and they are trained to return to their vandh (hamlet) in the morning. The grasses, in turn, are well adapted to withstand dry weather, containing up to 5 per cent crude protein and 40 per cent fibre. Banni was recognised as the country’s 11th buffalo breed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research only in 2010. The Banni buffaloes can travel up to 10-15 km which enables the animal to properly digest what it eats and the increased basal metabolic rate leads to more milk production.
• ‘Chir batti’ (chir for ghost and batti for flame) are fireballs in the night-time in the Banni grassland area that suddenly light up in the air and float. The phenomenon lasts about five to 10 seconds. Fireballs can be as big as footballs. It occurs at night. In the centre of this grassland is the Kiro Hill, a now dormant volcanic hill. While scientifically, no detailed studies have been done, it is believed that it’s methane gas that rises from the land through the cracked up earth, and the difference in temperature sets it on fire. Another belief is that these are volcanic gases that rise up through the cracks in the land. Banni was declared protected forest, but due to the absence of settlement process, forest department could not take complete possession of the area