Gir National Park
Gujarat
The Gir forest is the largest compact tract of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India, and is the last abode of the big and regal predator, Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), an endangered animal species. The sanctuary is internationally acclaimed for successfully saving this precious species from the brink of extinction. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965.
People mostly link Gir with "Maldharis" who have survived through the ages by having symbiotic relationship with the lion. They are religious pastoral communities living in Gir. Their settlements are called “nesses". Unlike the other big cats, lion is tolerant of the presence of human being and it even lives near the human settlements. During the last century in British rule, lion population touched an all time low of 20 in 1913. The serious conservation efforts by the then Nawab of Junagadh saved the species from the brink of extinction. The subsequent efforts by the Forest Department has successfully brought the population to the present respectable status of 523 numbers of this majestic animal.
Wildlife and Birdlife
Leopards are the second largest predator here, second only to the Asiatic lion, and the park is one of the best places to see them. Other carnivores include jungle & rusty spotted cat, golden jackal, striped hyena, besides common and ruddy mongoose. The herbivores include sambar, chital, nilgai, chowsingha, chinkara and wild boar. The Kamleshwar dam in the middle of the sanctuary is home to a record number of marsh crocodiles.
Some of the more interesting birds found here are the Indian jungle nightjar, mottled wood owl, rock bush quail, sirkeer malkoha, white-bellied minivet, painted sandgrouse, black ibis, rufous-fronted prinia, tickell’s blue and the gorgeous Asian paradise flycatcher, which is a summer visitor. Raptors commonly seen here are the crested hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, shikra, oriental honey buzzard and the critically endangered white-rumped and long-billed vulture.
Quick Facts
State
Gujarat
Area
1412 sq. km
Core Area
260 sq. km
Altitude
150 to 530 meter above sea level
Location
Near Junagarh district
Temperature Range
40°C to 6°C
Annual Rainfall
1016 mm
Best time to Visit
November to February
Vegetation
Tropical dry deciduous, thorn scrublands, semi-evergreen riverine flora
Water Resource