Gir National Park

Gir National Park In Gujarat, India

Gir National Park, located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, is the only place in the world where the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) can be found in the wild. Covering an area of 1,412 square kilometers, it was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1965 and later declared a national park in 1975.

The park consists of dry deciduous forests, scrublands, grasslands, and rocky hills, making it an ideal habitat for lions and other wildlife. The Hiran, Shetrunji, Datardi, and Raval rivers flow through the region, supporting its rich biodiversity. Gir is home to more than 600 Asiatic lions, a conservation success story that has helped save this species from near extinction.

Along with lions, the park supports a variety of wildlife, including leopards, striped hyenas, golden jackals, wild boars, Indian wolves, honey badgers, and marsh crocodiles. Herbivores such as sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), nilgai (blue bull), four-horned antelope, and Indian gazelles (chinkara) are common, providing a healthy prey base for predators.

Gir is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 species of birds, including the crested serpent eagle, Indian eagle owl, white-backed vulture, and paradise flycatcher. The park is home to several reptiles and amphibians, including king cobras, pythons, monitor lizards, and turtles. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore Gir National Park through jeep safaris, which provide a thrilling opportunity to spot lions in their natural habitat.

Flora And Fauna

• Asiatic Lion
• Indian Leopard
• Striped Hyena
• Golden Jackle