The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan-Gir) is best known as being the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica). 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.
Today, the sustaining ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and fauna, is 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 1900's by the then Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh. This initiative resulted in the conservation of the lions whose population had plummeted to only 15 through slaughter for trophy hunting.
The April 2005 census saw the highest 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.
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The Flora
The Gir National Park is a mixed deciduous forest with well spread stock of teak, flame of the forest, some Acacia and Banyan trees. A unique belt of vegetation is found along the main rivers and streams. Species like the Jamun, Karanj, Ber, Tendu, Semul, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here. These trees are mostly broad leaved and evergreen, giving the area a cool shelter and the moisture content.
The Fauna
Gir is not just about Lions, the second most commonly found predator in the Gir is Leopard. Infact, Gir national park also houses one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, and especially in the hotter season they can sometimes be seen at night close to the tourist lodges.
Other animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur, Jackal, Panthers, Wild Cats and Hares and Hyena.
The Avifauna
The presence of a large number of water bodies and suitable climatic conditions prevalent within the park has made it a haven for a large number of bird species. Numerous birds like Paradise Flycatchers, Black headed Cuckoo Shrike, Gray Drongo, Pied Woodpeckers, Coppersmiths, Indian Rollers, Crested Swifts, Fish Owls, Black Vultures, Shaheen Falcons, Bonelli's Eagles, Flamingo, Crested Serpent Eagles, Painted Sandgrouse, Rock Bush Quail, Gray Partridge, Painted Storks and White Necked Storks are found here.
The Reptiles
The reptile population of the park is mainly represented by Marsh Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Pythons and a large variety of snakes. There is an interesting breeding farm for crocodile at Sasan, which also provides the specimens that are relocated into the water reservoirs inside Gir. Reaching Gir National forest.
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