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Gir National Park
Rambling in an area of 1424 sq. kms, Gir with its dry deciduous forest is a splendidly rich
ecosystem-endowed with floral and faunal plentitude. Thirty species of mammals, twenty
species of reptiles, several species of insects and birds are found here. The forest is the
only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat.
Gir, the last place of safety of the king of the jungle, is one of the biggest and most
important wildlife sanctuaries in India.
The number of lions in Gir had diminished to a mere 15 by the turn of the century, due to
widespread trophy hunting. In the early 1900s the Nawab of Junagadh was advised by Lord
Curzon to shield the remaining lions. The lion was declared a protected animal, although
rigorous conservation efforts started much later.
In India the lion population is stretched across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana,
Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. But Gir is not just about lions. The second most
commonly found predator in the Gir is the leopard. In fact, Gir National Park is also home
to 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 lodges.
Other animal inhabitants of the Gir national park are Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer,
Nilgai Antelope, Chowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur
Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle,
Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo etc.
Other Attractions
Jeep Safari: The most excellent way to watch the big cats is, of course, in their natural
surroundings, at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl. Wildlife viewing in Gir is best
done, by driving in a jeep around the forest.
Best Time to Visit Gir Forest
Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Gir Park throughout the year, but the best period to visit
the Gir Sanctuary is between the months of November and June.
The forest also houses a number of smaller birds and animals. Additional predators are the
panther and the hyena. The largest Indian deer, Sambhar, Chital (spotted deer), Nilgai (blue
bull), Chinkara and the unique Chowsingha (four horned antelope) are found here along with
the bear and the long tailed langur.
Few people know that Gir is also one of the premium bird sanctuaries in India. Some of the
distinctive birds of Gir are the crested serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle, brown fish owl,
king vulture, jungle quail, paradise flycatcher, pygmy woodpecker, hard headed oriole etc.
Adholia, Valadera, Ratanghuna and Pilipat are satisfying places for bird watching. Another
attraction is a crocodile farm developed in the forest.
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