The Gir National Park is home to Asiatic Lions. As per the 2015 census, the number of lions is 523.
Abode Of Big Cats
Apart from Africa, this is the only place in the globe where you will see lions wandering in the wild. In the year 2000, the Asiatic lion appeared in the list of critically endangered species. When there was an increase in the number of lions in 2008, the Asiatic lion soon made its appearance in the list of endangered species due to this improvement. In the Indian sub-continent, the state of Gujarat is the only place which serves as the abode of Asiatic lions. In the yesteryears, the vast expanse of territory stretching from India to the Middle East used to be the prowling ground for these big cats. At present these lions live in an area stretching over 22000 square kilometers spanning across eight districts.
1. Natural Habitat
The Gir Forest National Park and Sanctuary is the last natural habitat of Asiatic lions. It is here that the Maldhari community resides too. A part of the lion population is also known to reside outside the protected zone. They live in the surrounding hilly regions.
2. Home To Other Animals
The Gir Forest which is situated near the town of Sasan Gir is home to different varieties of animals and birds too. There are more than 300 leopards and more than 200 species of birds also. Even more than 40 species of amphibians and reptiles are found.
3. Glimpse Into The Past
Long time back there used to be a massive number of Asiatic lions that used to roam about in different parts of the Middle East and Asia. Such areas included various parts of Bangladesh to Greece. At the beginning of the 1900s, there was a dwindling of the lion population, and it was almost on the brink of extinction. Ultimately the western part of India was left with twenty species of the great cats.
4. The Present Scenario
Today most of the lions are concentrated in the area in and around the southern part of Gujarat. Though there has been a steady increase in the lion population in modern times. In recent times this species has been placed in the list of Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
5. Trained Vets
This species is still vulnerable and is subject to many threats. There is always the fear of the impact of natural calamities or outbreak of contagious diseases which may have an adverse effect on the small population of big cats. Trained vets lend support, and they keep an eye on the existing lions.
Conservation Of The Species
Protection of the remaining lions at Gir has become a matter of utmost importance. The problem of poaching is handled with significant steps. The tackling had been easy due to the intervention of dexterous forest rangers. Advanced patrolling systems are in implementation to provide the conservation staff with the latest scientific data. Browse through our wide range of Gir Jeep Safari Packages with accommodation. Best pricing available for Gir Hotels & Resorts.
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