Gir Forest National Park – The Only Home of the Asiatic Lions in India

Located at 65 km south east of the Junagadh city of Saurashtra, Gujarat in India. The Gir Forest National Park and WildlifeSanctuary of Gujarat is exclusively the abode of the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera Leo persica) now 300 of them and one of the most vital protected areas in Asia, thanks to its dwelling species. Set up in 1965 A.D. with a total area of 1412 square km, some 258 sq. km is covered by the fully protected area (the National Park) and 1153 sq. km. is reserved for the Sanctuary. The landscape of the park is rocky occupied with low hills and blended vegetation.

Asiatic Lion at Gir

In the sanctuary, you will find many human hamlets of cattle people called Maldharis holding some probable 20,000 livestock, which, by the way, is a major share of the Lion’s food. In addition, there are sites of Hindu pilgrimage and sulphur springs located at Tulsishyam and Kankai Mata. The park is flanked by a crowd of Indian Gazelle that are well safeguarded due to the religious attitude of the local people.

The Gir ecosystem including its varied flora and fauna is well protected – all thanks to the pains of the Government forest department, wildlife activists, and NGOs. Proclaimed as Protected in 1990s by the Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh, this was quite helpful in conserving the lions. According to the April 2005 census, the number of lions in Gir was 359, a greater number than that of 2001. The lion breeding programme wrapping the park and the nearby area has raised about 180 lions. The timings of the park are 8 to 11 AM and 3 to 5 PM.

Flora Attractions

The verdant vegetation is deciduous that stand along with Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Tendu, and Dhak trees spreading on vast grasslands. In general, the trees lying upside are meager and short. In 1955, according to a survey, over 400 plant species were noticed; which increased to 507 recorded by the Botany department of M.S. University of Baroda.

Jamun Tree

Champion and Sheth in 1964 classified the Gir forest under ‘5A/C-1a—very dries teak forest’. 50 percent of the area with teak shakes hands with the dry deciduous species, which forms the largest dry deciduous forest in western India. The degradation stages (DS) sub-types are: 5/DS1-Dry deciduous scrub forest and 5/DS1-Dry savannah forests (locally called vidis).

The forest is a vital biological research region holding scientific, educational, visual, and entertaining standards. Some 5 million kg of green grass valued nearly Rs. 50 cores (10 million dollars) are obtained from here due to annual harvesting. Not only this, but the forest supplies 15,000 metric tons of wood for fuel each year.

Water Reserves Sites

There are seven main perpetual rivers flowing in the Gir region namely, Hiran, Shetrunji, Datardi, Shingada, Machhundri, Godavari, and Raval. You will find four reservoirs located at four dams on Hiran, Machhundri, Raval, and Shingada rivers respectively. It is here that you will come across the biggest reservoir in the area named the Kamleshwar Dam, also known as the lifeline of Gir.

During hot summers, the water for wild animals is at nearly 300 water points. However, if a drought occurs due to poor rainfall, this surface water disappears at most of the points throwing the problem of water scarcity especially in the eastern part of the sanctuary. This is left to the Forest Department staff to tackle.

Fauna Attractions

Nilgai at Gir Forest National Park

2,375 unique fauna species populate the Gir – 38 species of mammals, some 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles, and over 2,000 species of insects. Among the herbivores are Chital or Spotted Deer, Nilgai (or Blue bull), Sambar, Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara, Indian Flying Foe, Grey Musk Shrew, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Civet, Ratel, Indian Fox, Jackal, the Jungle Cat, Desert Cat, and the Rusty Spotted Cat, and Wild boar with Blackbucks of the close by region seen occasionally in the sanctuary.

The smaller mammals include the Porcupine, Hare, and rare Pangolin. The reptiles are the mugger Marsh crocodile that are in highest numbers as compared to all protected areas in India, the Indian Star Tortoise, and the Monitor Lizard in the water land of the sanctuary.

Desert Cat at Gir

Snakes are spotted in the bushes and forest, while the Pythons are sometimes located at the stream banks.

The long list is the evidence that the forest is not only the home of the lions, but in whole, a family of other animals and birds too.

Birds Attractions

The bountiful population also includes over 300 species of birds including some migratory ones. The hunter group are 6 estimated species of Vultures, Eagle, Pied Woodpecker, Owl, Painted Sandgrouse Black-headed Oriole, Black Headed Cuckoo Shrike, Grey Patridge, and Indian Pitta.

Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker, Gir

Safaris

Opt for a Jeep Safari to explore and travel in the park due to the uneven landscape of the park. If you have your own vehicle, the park authorities do allow you to take it inside but they make sure that you do so with the park guide. You can hire a jeep from the office at Sasan or the tour operators. There is a mini bus ride to roam you in the park for which seats must be booked in advance at the park administration office. The safari is available from 6:30 to 9:30 AM and 3.00 to 5.00 PM.

Best Time to Visit Gir National Park

Late November to Early March due to cool and dry season and easiness to view the wildlife in the open air; otherwise, the park and sanctuary is closed from June to mid-October.