The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan-Gir, and

) is a forest and wildlife sanctuary Near Talala Gir in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965,
with a total area of 1,412 km2 (545 sq mi) (about 258 km2 (100 sq mi) for the fully protected area
the national park and 1,153 km2 (445 sq mi) for the Sanctuary), the park is located 43 km (27 mi)
north-east of Somnath, 65 km (40 mi) south-east of Junagadh and 60 km (37 mi) south-west of
Amreli.[1]

Its region is the sole home of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) in the wilderness, and is
considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species.
The ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and fauna, is protected as a result of the efforts of the
government forest department, wildlife activists and NGOs. The forest area of Gir were the
hunting grounds of the Nawabs of Junagadh. However, faced with a drastic drop in the lion
population in Gir, Nawab Sir Muhammad Rasul Khanji Babi declared Gir as a "protected" area
in 1900. His son, Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khan III [2] later assisted in the conservation of
the lions whose population had plummeted to only 20 through slaughter for trophy hunting.[1]

The 14th Asiatic Lion Census 2015 was conducted in May 2015. In 2015, the population has
been 523 (27% up compared to previous census in 2010). The population was 411 in 2010 and
359 in 2005. The population of lions in Junagadh District has been 268, Gir Somnath District has
been 44, Amreli District has been 174 (highest increase) and Bhavangar District has been 37.
There are 109 males, 201 females and 213 young/cubs.[3]

Contents
[hide]

1 Geography
o 1.1 Water reserves
o 1.2 Flora
2 Wildlife
o 2.1 Asiatic lion habitat, distribution and population
o 2.2 The lion breeding programme and lion-counting
o 2.3 Gir Interpretation Zone, Devalia
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

Geography[edit]
Gir National Park and Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.

Water reserves[edit]

A panorama of the reservoir

The seven major perennial rivers of the Gir region are Hiran, Shetrunji, Datardi, Shingoda,
Machhundri, Godavari and Raval. The four reservoirs of the area are at four dams, one each on
Hiran, Machhundri, Raval and Shingoda rivers, including the biggest reservoir in the area, the
Kamleshwar Dam, dubbed 'the lifeline of Gir'. It is located between 210808N 704748E.

During peak summer, surface water for wild animals is available at about 300 water points.
When drought hits the area following a poor rainfall, surface water is not available at a majority
of these points, and water scarcity becomes a serious problem (mainly in the eastern part of the
sanctuary). Ensuring the availability of water during peak summer is one of the major tasks of
the Forest Department staff .

Flora[edit]

Panorama of Jungle

Teak trees in Gir Forest National Park

More than 400 plant species were recorded in the survey of Gir forest by Samtapau & Raizada in
1955. The Botany department of M.S. University of Baroda has revised the count to 507 during
their survey. According to the 1964 forest type classification by Champion & Sheth, the Gir
forest falls under "5A/C-1avery dry teak forest" classification. Teak occurs mixed with dry
deciduous species. The degradation stages (DS) sub-types are thus derived as:

1. 5/DS1-Dry deciduous scrub forest and

2. 5/DS1-Dry savannah forests (Locally known as "vidis"). It is the largest dry deciduous
forest in western India.[1]

Teak bearing areas are mainly in the eastern portion of the forest, which constitutes nearly half of
the total area.Several species of acacia are found. Also found here are ber,jamun,babul,flame of
the forest,zizyphus,tendu and dhak. Also plants like karanj,umlo,amli,sirus,kalam,charal and an
occasional vad or banyan tree are found.These broadleaf trees provide a cool shade and moisture
content to the region.As part of the afforestation programme cassuarina and prosopis have been
planted along the coast borders of gir.

The forest is an important biological research area with considerable scientific, educational,
aesthetic and recreational values. It provides nearly 5 million kilograms of green grass by annual
harvesting, which is valued approximately at Rs. 500 million (US$10 million). The forest
provides nearly 123,000 metric tons worth of fuel wood annually.

Wildlife[edit]

Nilgai at Gir Forest.

Chital
Mugger crocodile in Gir Forest National Park

The count of 2,375 distinct fauna species of Gir includes about 38 species of mammals, around
300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and more than 2,000 species of insects.[1]

The carnivores group mainly comprises Asiatic lions, Indian leopards, Indian cobras, jungle cats,
striped hyenas, golden jackals, Indian mongoose, Indian palm civets, and honey badgers. Desert
cats and rusty-spotted cats occur but are rarely seen.[1]

The main herbivores of Gir are chital, nilgai, sambar, four-horned antelope, chinkara and wild
boar. Blackbucks from the surrounding area are sometimes seen in the sanctuary.[1]

Among the smaller mammals, porcupine and hare are common, but the pangolin is rare. The
reptiles are represented by the marsh crocodile hir tortoise and the monitor lizard in the water
areas of the sanctuary. Snakes are found in the bushes and forest. Pythons are sighted at times
along the stream banks. Gir has been used by the Gujarat State Forest Department which adopted
the Indian Crocodile Conservation Project in 1977 and released close to 1000 marsh crocodiles
reared in Gir rearing centre into the Kamaleshwar lake and other reservoirs and small water
bodies in and around Gir.

The plentiful avifauna population has more than 300 species of birds, most of which are resident.
The scavenger group of birds has 6 recorded species of vultures. Some of the typical species of
Gir include crested serpent eagle, endangered Bonelli's eagle, crested hawk-eagle, brown fish
owl, Indian eagle-owl, rock bush-quail, Indian peafowl, pygmy woodpecker, black-headed
oriole, crested treeswift and Indian pitta. The Indian grey hornbill was not found from the last
census of 2001.[1]

Asiatic lion habitat, distribution and population[edit]

Male Asiatic lion in Gir Forest National Park

Male Asiatic Lion having a sun bath in Gir Forest National Park

The Asiatic lion's habitat is dry scrub land and open deciduous forest. These lions were once
found across northern Africa, south west Asia and northern Greece. The lion population which
was 411 in 2010 has increased to 523 in 2015 and all of them are in or around the Gir Forest
National Park. The first modern day count of lions was done by Mark Alexander Wynter-Blyth,
the principal of Rajkumar College, Rajkot and R.S. Dharmakumarsinhji sometime between 1948
and 1963, probably early in his tenure as the principal during that period. Even though the Gir
Forest is well protected, there are instances of Asiatic lions being poached. They have also been
poisoned for attacking livestock. Some of the other threats include floods, fires and the
possibility of epidemics and natural calamities. Gir nonetheless remains the most promising long
term preserve for them. While most would see the lions as aggressive and dangerous, the lions of
Gir rarely attack people. They live in a very close proximity to people, which makes their
behavior different almost as if they have an acquaintanceship with the neighboring people. The
lions who remember being hunted have now taken the higher road and stopped the circle of life.[4]

The lion breeding programme and lion-counting[edit]

Year Count Male:Female:Cub

1968 177 -

1974 180 -

1979 261 76:100:85

1984 252 88:100:64

1990 249 82:100:67

1995 265 94:100:71

2000 327 99:115:76

 2005 359 -

2010 411 97:162:152

2015 523 109:201:213

The Lion Breeding Programme creates and maintains breeding centres. It also carries out studies
of the behaviour of the Asiatic lions and also practices artificial insemination. One such centre
has been established in the Sakkarbaug Zoo at the district headquarters of Junagadh, which has
successfully bred about 180 lions. 126 pure Asiatic lions have been given to zoos in India and
abroad.

The census of lions takes place every five years. Previously indirect methods like using
pugmarks of the lion were adopted for the count. However, during the census of April 2005
(which originally was scheduled for 2006, but was advanced following the reports and
controversy over vanishing tigers in India), "Block-Direct-Total Count" method was employed
with the help of around 1,000 forest officials, experts and volunteers. It means that only those
lions were counted that were "spotted" visually. Use of "live bait" (a prey that is alive and used
as a bait) for the exercise, though thought to be a traditional practice, was not used this time. The
reason believed to be behind this is the Gujarat High Court ruling of 2000 against such a use of
animals.

During the 2010 census 'The Cat Women of Gir Forest' counted more than 411 lions in the park,
and 523 in 2015. The women who do the counting are of traditional Muslim tribes in
neighboring villages. There are over 40 women van raksha sahayaks, who seek only to protect
the animals of the park. These women have worked hard to win cooperation not just from local
villagers but also from maaldharis, the semi-nomadic tribal herdsmen who live in the sanctuary.
While tourist numbers are increasing people do not seem to understand the phenomena taking
place. The lions are almost tame in the presence of these female guards.

Gir Interpretation Zone, Devalia[edit]

Gir National Park and Sanctuary does not have a designated area for tourists. However, to reduce
the tourism hazard to the wildlife and to promote nature education, an Interpretation Zone has
been created at Devalia within the sanctuary. Within its chained fences, it covers all habitat types
and wildlife of Gir with its feeding-cum-living cages for the carnivores and a double-gate entry
system.

See also[edit]
List of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Gujarat, India
Girnar
Talala Gir
 Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary is the site for re-introducing and establishing the world's second
completely separate population of the wild free ranging Asiatic lions in the neighboring
state of Madhya Pradesh, India
In-situ conservation
Wildlife conservation
Siddi
Baradiya

References[edit]
1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g "Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary". Govt. of Gujarat. Forests and
environment Dept. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
2. Jump up ^ http://wildvistas.com/nationalparks/gir/gir.html
3. Jump up ^ http://deshgujarat.com/2015/05/10/asiatic-lion-population-up-from-411-to-523-in-five-years/
4. Jump up ^ Animals with rich histories: the case of the lions of Gir Forest, Gujarat, India. Nehru
Memorial Museum and Library, Vol. 52 Issue 4, p109-127. ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials,
EBSCOhost.

[1]; Official website: Forests & Environment Department; State Government of Gujarat,
India

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gir Forest National Park.

This article's use of external links may not follow Wikipedia's policies or guidelines.
Please improve this article by removing excessive or inappropriate external links, and
converting useful links where appropriate into footnote references. (July 2011) (Learn how
and when to remove this template message)

Gir - The last abode of the Asiatic Lion

Gir - The last home of Asiatic Lion
Sasan Gir National Park
Gir Forest in Gujarat
Deccan Herald: Gir registers highest ever lion count
"Call of the lion" - May 11, 2003
Lions are leaving their lair in Gir

The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan-Gir, and
) is a forest and wildlife sanctuary Near Talala Gir in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965,
with a total area of 1,412 km2 (545 sq mi) (about 258 km2 (100 sq mi) for the fully protected area
the national park and 1,153 km2 (445 sq mi) for the Sanctuary), the park is located 43 km (27 mi)
north-east of Somnath, 65 km (40 mi) south-east of Junagadh and 60 km (37 mi) south-west of
Amreli.[1]
Its region is the sole home of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) in the wilderness, and is
considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species.
The ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and fauna, is protected as a result of the efforts of the
government forest department, wildlife activists and NGOs. The forest area of Gir were the
hunting grounds of the Nawabs of Junagadh. However, faced with a drastic drop in the lion
population in Gir, Nawab Sir Muhammad Rasul Khanji Babi declared Gir as a "protected" area
in 1900. His son, Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khan III [2] later assisted in the conservation of
the lions whose population had plummeted to only 20 through slaughter for trophy hunting.[1]

The 14th Asiatic Lion Census 2015 was conducted in May 2015. In 2015, the population has
been 523 (27% up compared to previous census in 2010). The population was 411 in 2010 and
359 in 2005. The population of lions in Junagadh District has been 268, Gir Somnath District has
been 44, Amreli District has been 174 (highest increase) and Bhavangar District has been 37.
There are 109 males, 201 females and 213 young/cubs.[3]

Contents
[hide]

1 Geography
o 1.1 Water reserves
o 1.2 Flora
2 Wildlife
o 2.1 Asiatic lion habitat, distribution and population
o 2.2 The lion breeding programme and lion-counting
o 2.3 Gir Interpretation Zone, Devalia
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

Geography[edit]

Gir National Park and Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.

Water reserves[edit]
A panorama of the reservoir

The seven major perennial rivers of the Gir region are Hiran, Shetrunji, Datardi, Shingoda,
Machhundri, Godavari and Raval. The four reservoirs of the area are at four dams, one each on
Hiran, Machhundri, Raval and Shingoda rivers, including the biggest reservoir in the area, the
Kamleshwar Dam, dubbed 'the lifeline of Gir'. It is located between 210808N 704748E.

During peak summer, surface water for wild animals is available at about 300 water points.
When drought hits the area following a poor rainfall, surface water is not available at a majority
of these points, and water scarcity becomes a serious problem (mainly in the eastern part of the
sanctuary). Ensuring the availability of water during peak summer is one of the major tasks of
the Forest Department staff .

Flora[edit]

Panorama of Jungle

Teak trees in Gir Forest National Park

More than 400 plant species were recorded in the survey of Gir forest by Samtapau & Raizada in
1955. The Botany department of M.S. University of Baroda has revised the count to 507 during
their survey. According to the 1964 forest type classification by Champion & Sheth, the Gir
forest falls under "5A/C-1avery dry teak forest" classification. Teak occurs mixed with dry
deciduous species. The degradation stages (DS) sub-types are thus derived as:

1. 5/DS1-Dry deciduous scrub forest and

2. 5/DS1-Dry savannah forests (Locally known as "vidis"). It is the largest dry deciduous
forest in western India.[1]

Teak bearing areas are mainly in the eastern portion of the forest, which constitutes nearly half of
the total area.Several species of acacia are found. Also found here are ber,jamun,babul,flame of
the forest,zizyphus,tendu and dhak. Also plants like karanj,umlo,amli,sirus,kalam,charal and an
occasional vad or banyan tree are found.These broadleaf trees provide a cool shade and moisture
content to the region.As part of the afforestation programme cassuarina and prosopis have been
planted along the coast borders of gir.

The forest is an important biological research area with considerable scientific, educational,
aesthetic and recreational values. It provides nearly 5 million kilograms of green grass by annual
harvesting, which is valued approximately at Rs. 500 million (US$10 million). The forest
provides nearly 123,000 metric tons worth of fuel wood annually.

Wildlife[edit]

Nilgai at Gir Forest.

Chital

Mugger crocodile in Gir Forest National Park

The count of 2,375 distinct fauna species of Gir includes about 38 species of mammals, around
300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and more than 2,000 species of insects.[1]
The carnivores group mainly comprises Asiatic lions, Indian leopards, Indian cobras, jungle cats,
striped hyenas, golden jackals, Indian mongoose, Indian palm civets, and honey badgers. Desert
cats and rusty-spotted cats occur but are rarely seen.[1]

The main herbivores of Gir are chital, nilgai, sambar, four-horned antelope, chinkara and wild
boar. Blackbucks from the surrounding area are sometimes seen in the sanctuary.[1]

Among the smaller mammals, porcupine and hare are common, but the pangolin is rare. The
reptiles are represented by the marsh crocodile hir tortoise and the monitor lizard in the water
areas of the sanctuary. Snakes are found in the bushes and forest. Pythons are sighted at times
along the stream banks. Gir has been used by the Gujarat State Forest Department which adopted
the Indian Crocodile Conservation Project in 1977 and released close to 1000 marsh crocodiles
reared in Gir rearing centre into the Kamaleshwar lake and other reservoirs and small water
bodies in and around Gir.

The plentiful avifauna population has more than 300 species of birds, most of which are resident.
The scavenger group of birds has 6 recorded species of vultures. Some of the typical species of
Gir include crested serpent eagle, endangered Bonelli's eagle, crested hawk-eagle, brown fish
owl, Indian eagle-owl, rock bush-quail, Indian peafowl, pygmy woodpecker, black-headed
oriole, crested treeswift and Indian pitta. The Indian grey hornbill was not found from the last
census of 2001.[1]

Asiatic lion habitat, distribution and population[edit]

Male Asiatic lion in Gir Forest National Park

Male Asiatic Lion having a sun bath in Gir Forest National Park

The Asiatic lion's habitat is dry scrub land and open deciduous forest. These lions were once
found across northern Africa, south west Asia and northern Greece. The lion population which
was 411 in 2010 has increased to 523 in 2015 and all of them are in or around the Gir Forest
National Park. The first modern day count of lions was done by Mark Alexander Wynter-Blyth,
the principal of Rajkumar College, Rajkot and R.S. Dharmakumarsinhji sometime between 1948
and 1963, probably early in his tenure as the principal during that period. Even though the Gir
Forest is well protected, there are instances of Asiatic lions being poached. They have also been
poisoned for attacking livestock. Some of the other threats include floods, fires and the
possibility of epidemics and natural calamities. Gir nonetheless remains the most promising long
term preserve for them. While most would see the lions as aggressive and dangerous, the lions of
Gir rarely attack people. They live in a very close proximity to people, which makes their
behavior different almost as if they have an acquaintanceship with the neighboring people. The
lions who remember being hunted have now taken the higher road and stopped the circle of life.[4]

The lion breeding programme and lion-counting[edit]

Year Count Male:Female:Cub

1968 177 -

1974 180 -

1979 261 76:100:85

1984 252 88:100:64

1990 249 82:100:67

1995 265 94:100:71

2000 327 99:115:76

2005 359 -

2010 411 97:162:152

2015 523 109:201:213

The Lion Breeding Programme creates and maintains breeding centres. It also carries out studies
of the behaviour of the Asiatic lions and also practices artificial insemination. One such centre
has been established in the Sakkarbaug Zoo at the district headquarters of Junagadh, which has
successfully bred about 180 lions. 126 pure Asiatic lions have been given to zoos in India and
abroad.

The census of lions takes place every five years. Previously indirect methods like using
pugmarks of the lion were adopted for the count. However, during the census of April 2005
(which originally was scheduled for 2006, but was advanced following the reports and
controversy over vanishing tigers in India), "Block-Direct-Total Count" method was employed
with the help of around 1,000 forest officials, experts and volunteers. It means that only those
lions were counted that were "spotted" visually. Use of "live bait" (a prey that is alive and used
as a bait) for the exercise, though thought to be a traditional practice, was not used this time. The
reason believed to be behind this is the Gujarat High Court ruling of 2000 against such a use of
animals.

During the 2010 census 'The Cat Women of Gir Forest' counted more than 411 lions in the park,
and 523 in 2015. The women who do the counting are of traditional Muslim tribes in
neighboring villages. There are over 40 women van raksha sahayaks, who seek only to protect
the animals of the park. These women have worked hard to win cooperation not just from local
villagers but also from maaldharis, the semi-nomadic tribal herdsmen who live in the sanctuary.
While tourist numbers are increasing people do not seem to understand the phenomena taking
place. The lions are almost tame in the presence of these female guards.

Gir Interpretation Zone, Devalia[edit]

Gir National Park and Sanctuary does not have a designated area for tourists. However, to reduce
the tourism hazard to the wildlife and to promote nature education, an Interpretation Zone has
been created at Devalia within the sanctuary. Within its chained fences, it covers all habitat types
and wildlife of Gir with its feeding-cum-living cages for the carnivores and a double-gate entry
system.

See also[edit]
List of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Gujarat, India
Girnar
Talala Gir
Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary is the site for re-introducing and establishing the world's second
completely separate population of the wild free ranging Asiatic lions in the neighboring
state of Madhya Pradesh, India
In-situ conservation
Wildlife conservation
Siddi
Baradiya

References[edit]
1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g "Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary". Govt. of Gujarat. Forests and
environment Dept. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
 2. Jump up ^ http://wildvistas.com/nationalparks/gir/gir.html
3. Jump up ^ http://deshgujarat.com/2015/05/10/asiatic-lion-population-up-from-411-to-523-in-five-years/
4. Jump up ^ Animals with rich histories: the case of the lions of Gir Forest, Gujarat, India. Nehru
Memorial Museum and Library, Vol. 52 Issue 4, p109-127. ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials,
EBSCOhost.

[1]; Official website: Forests & Environment Department; State Government of Gujarat,
India

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gir Forest National Park.

This article's use of external links may not follow Wikipedia's policies or guidelines.
Please improve this article by removing excessive or inappropriate external links, and
converting useful links where appropriate into footnote references. (July 2011) (Learn how
and when to remove this template message)

Gir - The last abode of the Asiatic Lion

Gir - The last home of Asiatic Lion
Sasan Gir National Park
Gir Forest in Gujarat
Deccan Herald: Gir registers highest ever lion count
"Call of the lion" - May 11, 2003
Lions are leaving their lair in Gir