The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions . Measuring about 258 km² for the fully protected area (the National Park) and 1153 km² for the Sanctuary, the area is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species.
Established in 1965, the total area of 1412 km² is located about 65 km to the south-
east of Junagadh city of the Junagadh district in the kathiawar peninsula of Gujarat
state, India.
The April 2005 census recorded the lion-count in Gir at 359, an increase of 32
compared to 2001. The lion breeding programme covering the park and surrounding
area has bred about 180 lions in captivity since its inception.
FLORA AND FAUNA
More than 400 flora species have been recorded by 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 count of 2375 distinct fauna species of Gir includes about 38 species of mammals, around 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and more than 2000 species of insects.
The carnivores group mainly comprises Asiatic lions, Leopards, Jungle cat, Hyenas, Jackals, Mongoose, Civet cats, 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 reptilians are represented by 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.
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,
including the King Vulture. 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 Swift and Indian Pitta. The Indian Grey Hornbill was not found in the
last census of 2001.
