GIR NATIONAL PARK
AT
JUNAGADH
Gir National park is situated in Junagadh district of Gujarat State of
India and it is one of India’s oldest sanctuaries, and is synonymous with the
majestic Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). The only place in India to see
this animal, this park can take legitimate pride in saving an endangered
species, which was at the threshold of extinction in the start of the
twenty-first century, by providing it a more secured habitat.
The Gir ecosystem falls in Biogeography Zone-4 (the semi arid) and
Biogeography Province 4-B. Gujarat Rajwara is the last remaining abode of the
Asiatic Lion, Panthera leo persica.
The Government of Gujarat has declared an area of 1412.1 sq km as
Protected Area (PA) which comprises 258.7 sq km as National Park and 1153.4 sq
km as Sanctuary. Besides this 470.5 sq km of forest area forms a buffer Zone as
reserve, protected and unclassified forest. Thus, a total area of 1882.6 sq km
makes up the Gir forest.
The largest compact tract of dry deciduous forest in the country,
protected as Gir National Park and Sanctuary, covers an area of 1412 sq km in
the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
Gir has evolved to host a very stable ecosystem with tremendous
regenerating, self-supporting and self-sustaining capacity due to its richness
of biodiversity: 606 different plant species, 39 species of mammals, 37 species
of reptiles and over 300 species of birds and more than 2,000 species of
insects.
A breeding ground for migratory birds, the avifauna of Gir includes a
variety of raptors and many other significant species, including Lesser
Florican, Osprey, Indian Pitta, Red-headed Vulture, etc. It also supports a
variety of reptiles, including the Indian python and the Indian star tortoise,
and possibly one of the highest populations of Marsh crocodile in the country.
Gir also has one of the densest concentrations of leopards in India.
The continuous forest, which covers a large tract, plays a pivotal role
in keeping the climate moderate and also keeps the salinity levels at a low on
the southern coast of Saurashtra.
Gir is essential to life in Gujarat. It helps in the smooth running of
several ecological activities. Gir forms a part of the south central highlands
in Saurashtra and is a catchment of important rivers like Shetrunji, Hiran,
Saraswati, Shingoda, Machhundri, Raval and Datardi.
The forest helps recharge the water table due to infiltration and
percolation in conjunction with soil and moisture conservation. Thus, Gir is a
boon to farmers inhabiting the peripheral environs; it ensures sustained
agricultural and horticultural production. Not to mention, the forest has great
potential to be a centre for creating environmental awareness and imparting
nature education.
The real feather in Gir’s hat, though, is the presence of the Asiatic
lion. The attraction of these ironic species coupled with the aesthetic beauty
of the area and the close proximity to the Somnath temple, has made Gir a
popular tourist destination.
By Air
Nearest airport is Rajkot and Ahemedaba.
By Train
The closest Railway station is Junagadh and you can go via local trains
from Junagadh city to Gir.
By Bus
Gir National Park is around 55 km from Junagadh City, the most
common base for making a visit, and 348 km from Ahmedabad and 156 kms from
Rajkot. The Reception centre is at Sasan Gir, and has a Forest Guest house
maintained by the forest department, nearby the railway station.
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