Brief
The Gir is the only home in India for the Asiatic Lion of which there are nearly
300 in the park. The Gir National Park lies in the Gujarat peninsula in
South-Western India. The terrain is rugged with low hills and the vegetation is
mixed deciduous, with stands of Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Tendu and Dhak trees,
interspersed with large patches of grasslands. The trees on the hills are sparse
and stunted. Within the sanctuary, there are numerous human settlements of
cattle herders called Maldharis with an estimated 20,000 head of livestock
(which, incidentally, forms a significant part of the Lion’s diet). There are
also places of Hindu worship and pilgrimage and sulphur springs at Tulsi Shyam
and Kankai Mata. The edges of the park have good population of Indian Gazelle,
protected by religious sentiments of the local people.
Reasons to visit We welcome you to the most exciting tourist attractions and travel destinations which are given below. We take into notice each and every details about recreation, entertainment, adventure and relaxation. By looking at the things to do in a city one can see if that spot offers romance, family fun, sightseeing or adventure. Drill down into the tourist attractions below to find out more about each place and see how the local customs create a unique atmosphere.
Wildlife Attractions
A distinct belt of vegetation is found along the main
rivers and streams. Species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal,
Sirus and Amli are mainly found here. These trees are mostly broad leaved and
evergreen, giving the area a cool shade and the moisture content. Finally,
Prosopis and Casuarina have been planted in the coastal borders as part of the
afforestation plan.
The
Asiatic Lion
Gir Sanctuary is the last and only home of the critically
endangered Asiatic Lion. These lions are a smaller more compact version of their
African counterparts, and are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the
move. The major difference between the two is that the African Lion appears
larger than the Indian Lion because of its large and luxuriant mane.
The Leopards
Leopard is considered to be one of the most beautiful and
graceful animals in the jungle, also the most dangerous one. Popularly known as
the Prince of Cats, this animal is the most adaptable among the predators, one
of the reasons why it occupies a much larger spread of Gujarat forest cover. In
the Gir National Park it is found in all the varied habitats and vegetation
types. The approximate population of 210 Leopards resides within the sanctuary
area.
Reptiles
Not leaving the water predators behind, Mash crocodiles are often seen along the
Kamleshwar Dam Site. Another major attraction among the reptile population of
Gir National Park are the numerous non-venomous Snakes such as the Indian Rock
Python along with the four venomous varieties of Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Saw
Scaled Viper, Russell's Viper. Among the lesser-known wildlife of Gir National
Park includes the most common animal that can be sighted in the sanctuary, the
Chital or Spotted Deer. Other main wild attractions are Nilgai, Chinkara,
Sambhar, Black Bucks, the four horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Indian Flying Foe,
Grey Musk Shrew, Indian Hare, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian Mangoose, Small Indian
Civet, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine, Ratel, Indian Fox, and Jackal. The
three smaller wildcats - the Jungle Cat, Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat
also inhabit the forest, a fact which shows that the forest is not just meant
for the protection of Lions, but the entire cat family.
Avian
Population
The forest is also rich in bird life, with an estimated 300 species
inhabiting the Gir National Park. Many wildlife experts believe that had Gir not
been a Lion sanctuary, it could have easily passed off as a protected area for
the incredible diversity of birds that it harbors. The avifauna here occupies
the forest floors, small plants and shrubs and even the canopy of the trees. The
Paradise Flycatcher, Black Headed Cuckoo Shrike, Pied Woodpecker, Bonelli's
Eagle, Creset Serpant Eagle, Painted Sandgrouse, Bush Quail and Grey Patridge
are the commonly found varieties in the park. |