The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan-Gir ) is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965, with a total area of 1412 km² (about 258 km² for the fully protected area (the National Park) and 1153 km² for the Sanctuary), the park is located 65 km to the south-east of Junagadh.
It is the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica) 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 and its lions were declared as "protected" in the early 1900s by the then Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh. This initiative assisted in the conservation of the lions whose population had plummeted to only 15 through slaughter for trophy hunting.
The April 2010 census recorded the lion-count in Gir at 411, an increase of 52 compared to 2005. The lion breeding programme covering the park and surrounding area has bred about 180 lions in captivity since its inception.
Water reserves
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'.
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
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-1a—very 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.
Teak bearing areas are mainly in the eastern portion of the forest, which constitutes nearly half of the total area.
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. 50 crores (Rs. 500,000,000) (US$ 10 million). The forest provides nearly 15,000 metric tons worth of fuel wood annually.
Wildlife
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.
The carnivores group mainly comprises
Asiatic lions,
Indian Leopards,
Sloth bears,
Jungle cats,
Striped Hyenas, Golden Jackals, Indian Mongoose, Indian Palm Civets, and Ratels.
Desert cats and
Rusty-spotted cats exist but are rarely seen.
The main herbivores of Gir are
Chital, Nilgai (or Bluebull), Sambar, Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara and Wild boar.
Blackbucks from the surrounding area are sometimes seen in the sanctuary.
Among the smaller mammals,
Porcupine and
Hare are common but the Pangolin is rare. The reptiles are represented by the
mugger Marsh crocodile (highest population among all protected areas in India), the
Indian Star 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 crocodile 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, Great Horned Owl, Bush Quail (or Quailbush), Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-headed Oriole, Crested Treeswift and Indian Pitta. The Indian Grey Hornbill was not found in the last census of 2001.
Best Time To Visit:
The park and the sanctuary remain close, from June to Sept, but the cool and dry weather between late-November and early-March is the recommended visiting period. During this period it is easier to sight the wildlife in the open.
How to Reach There:
Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport from Gir is Keshod 90-kms via Veraval. Visitors can easily catch daily flights from Mumbai to Keshod. or you can take flight from Ahemdabad or Vadodara too.From these cities you can easily get transport to Gir.
Nearest Railhead :
The nearest rail connection is the meter gauge rail line of 395-kms from Ahemdabad.You can also take broad gauge at Junagadh
By Road
Gir is situated at a distance of 400-kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are easily available from Junagadh and Veraval to Gir, between November and June.
General Info / Tips
» Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.
» Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.
» Take official guides along with you on the park trip.
» Do not smoke inside the park.
» Do not use flash or intrusive photography.
» Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.
» Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.
» For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.
» Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.
» Carry plenty of water along with you.
The national park has an area of 715 square kilometres (276 sq mi), most of which is above the 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) contour line.The forest reserve has an area of 705 square kilometres (272 sq mi). Combined this makes the area of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 1,420 square kilometres (548 sq mi).
