The real niche of the untamed
Asiatic Lion.
The
Gir National Park last original habitat of the Asiatic Lion which was the
former private reserve of the Princely State of Junagadh. Due to the sincere
efforts of the rulers of Junagadh that the last remaining population of this
small pride of around 20 lions was saved from extinction. There are four
independent populations of
Asiatic Lions in
and around Gir totaling around 275 which is all due to the strife of the
conservationists.
Flora
Dry Teak and deciduous forest of Banyan, Jamun and Flame of Forest as well
as scrub of Acacia make the flora of this forest reserve. Gir's ecosystem
harbours over 450 species of plants, around 350 species of birds, 32 mammal
species and around 24 types of reptiles. Besides lions the park has a
sizable population of Leopards with prey species like Chital, Sambar, Blue
Bull, Chausingha, Chinkara and Wild Boar. The smaller carnivores are Jungle
Cat, Jackal and Striped Hyena.
Fauna
The park is quite rich in bird life and Paradise Flycatcher, Black-headed
Cuckoo, Grey Drongo, Pied Woodpecker, Coppersmith, Indian Roller, Crested
Swift, Fish Owl, Shaheen Falcon, and Bonelli's and Crested Serpent Eagle are
some of birds seen on the trees. On the forest floor one can see Painted
Sandgrouse, Rock Bush Quail, Grey Partridge.
Excursions
Another area that can be visited is the Dhangadhra Wildlife Sanctuary near
Little of Rann of Kutch. This vast saline wasteland of Rann of Kutch is the
only home of highly endangered Asiatic Wild Ass. Other animals that can be
seen in this area are Nilgai (Blue Bull), Blackbuck, Chinkara (Indian
Gazelle), Desert Cat, Desert Fox and extremely rare Indian Wolf.
General Information
Best time to visit : November - mid June
Nearest town : Junagadh (42 km)
How to get there : Train to Sasan Gir (1 km); airport - Keshod (150
km)
