Gir National Park
Area
The Gir ecosystem falls in Biogeography Zone-4 [Semi arid] and biogeography province 4-B. Gujarat Rajwada is the last paradise of the Asiatic Lion - Panthera Leo Persica.The government of Gujarat has declared an area of 1421.1 sq kms as protected area which comprises of 258.7 sq kms as National park and 1153.4 sq kms as National park and 1153.4 Sq Kms as Sanctuary.Besides this 470.5 Sq Kms forest area constitutes a buffer zone as reserve, protected and unclassed forest.Thus a total area of 1882.6 Sq Kms forms Gir forest.
Out of a total area of 1882.6 Sq Kms, 1502.7 Sq Kms falls in the Junagadh District and 379.9 Sq Kms in Amreli district. The most important aspect of gir is that it has become a most stable ecosystem with tremendous regenerating, self supporting and sustaining power due to its rich and diverse flora and fauna.
Location, Topography and Geomorphology
Ghir lies between 20o 50o and 21o 50o latitudes and 70o - 50o E and 77o - 50o Longitudes. The land configuration is mainly undulating with moderate hills, valleys and plateaus, without definite direction of the hill ranges. Northern parts are more hilly while the southern parts are relatively less hilly with general drainage of direction being south and south west.
The hills are of Volcanic origin. The main Geological formation is Deccan Trap and main rock types are "Dolomite" and basalt. Besides sand stone, lime stone and metamorphic schist are also present. Volcanic rocks have given rise to the black cotton soil and sand stones and the lime stones have given rise to reddish brown sandy loam soil. Soil texture varies from gravelly along the river banks, clay in deep valleys to stony and murrum of hills.
Climate
Gir has tropical monsoon climate which is very hot during the summer. Three seasons, Summer, Monsoon and Winters are distinct. Late November to early March is cool and dry followed by the hot dry season. The temperature drops down to 10o during winters and rises to around 43o in summers Mid June to September is the Monsoon period and bulk of precipitation is receive during July and August . The average rainfall ranges between 600mm to 1000 mm. Due to uneven monsoon and uneven distribution of Rainfall droughts are not uncommon.
Water Resources
Gir forms the catchment's of seven perennial rivers viz Hiran, Saraswati, Datardi, Shingoda, Macchundri, Ghodavadi and Raval. Northern aspects of the northern ridges form the catchment of Shetrunji river flowing outside the sanctuary area. All these major rivers of Gir have perennial water supply except during severe drought. During peak summer, surface water for the wild animals is available only at the 300 or so water points. In order to tap the water resources 4 dams have been constructed along the Hiran, Macchunduri, Raval and Shingoda rivers The total catchment area of these 4 reservoirs is 820 sq Kms while water from the rest of the area remains untapped.
Wildlife Attractions
1. 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 version, 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.
2. 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 from the family of predators, one the reason why it occupies a much larger spread of Gujarat forest cover, and in Gir National Park it has been found in all the varied habitats and vegetation types. The approximate population of 210 Leopards resides within the sanctuary area.
3. 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, which are Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Saw Scaled Viper, Russell's Viper.
Other Attractions
Among the lesser-known wildlife of Gir National Park include the most common animal that can be sighted in the sanctuary is the Chital or Spotted Deer. Others 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 Gir forest, which shows that the forest is not just meant for the protection of Lions, but the whole of the cat family.
Rich and Varied Bird life
The forest is also rich in bird life, and an estimated of 300 species are found inhabiting Gir National Park over the years. Many wildlife experts say that if Gir has not been a Lion sanctuary, it could have easily passed off as a protected area for the incredible diversity of birds that it harbours. The avifauna in 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 among the varieties that are commonly found over here.
Flora Attractions
Vegetation in Gir can be looked at in four ways. The first is the Teak forest and nearly half of the protected area has this kind of a habitat. The main tree species that occupy this habitat are Khair, Sadad, Timru, Babul, Amla, Moledi, Dhavdo, Kadayo and Bahedo. The non-Teak forests, which comprise the remaining forest consists of tree species like the Khair, Dhavdo, Sadad, Timru, Amla, Moledi, Kadayo, Salai, Simal, Khakhro, Ber and Asundro.
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 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 border as part of the aforestation plan.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals
sleep during day time.
2. Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.
3. Take official guides along with you on the park trip.
4. Do not smoke inside the park.
5. Do not use flash or intrusive photography.
6. Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.
7. Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.
8. For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is
not allowed.
9. Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.
10. Carry plenty of water along with you.
Get There
By Air
International Airport Sahar International Airport, Mumbai.
At Keshod (90 km via Veraval).
By Rail
The meter gauge rail line of 395 km from Ahemdabad.
By Road
Gir is situated at a distance of 400 km from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are easily available from Junagadh and Veraval.
