The Gir National Park and wildlife sanctuary has another name: “Sasan Gir”, based in Gujarat, near Talala Gir. It is a national park as well as a wildlife sanctuary. Being surrounded by Somnath, Junagarh, and Amreli in Gujarat, it was established in 1965 by the Nawab of Junagadh. It is widely spread with an area of 1,412 square km. It has become part of the Khathiar Gir dry deciduous forest eco-region.
History of the Gir National Park
The Gir National Park has a royal history of British colonists. During the nineteenth century, the rulers of the Princely States were accustomed to inviting British colonists for hunting trips. At the end of the 19th century, the number of Asiatic lions was reduced and was left less than 100 in the Gir forest.
The Gir forest was owned by the Nawab of Junagadh. The Nawab of Junagadh noted the reduction in the Asiatic lion. To protect the Asian lion, the Nawab of Junagadh established the national park. Due to the decision of nawab, the Gir National park became the only park in Asia where the Asiatic lions are protected. After the nawab, the wildlife activists and NGOs took responsibility for the diversity of plants and animals of the Gir National park.
The Climate of the Park
The climate of the Gir Forest national park varies between tropical hot and cool. It is noted that the weather is scorching between April and June due to tropical heat. From November to February, the climate remains cool. These months attract most of the visitors. During December, the climate of the Gir Forest National Park remains very chilly.
Water Reserves of the Gir National Park
Gir National park consists of seven major perennial rivers, which never get dry. The seven significant rivers are Hiran, Raval, Ambajal, Machhundri, Shingoda, Dhatarvadi, and Shetrunji. Many times, drought hits the area during summer. The forest department staff of the national park ensures water availability during summer for the animals and plants.
Flora of the Gir National Park
The survey of the Gir forest by Samtapau and Raizada noted that there were 400 plants in 1955. In 1964, Champion and Sheth held a forest-type classification. The Gir forest is called “Very Dry Teak Forest.” The Gir Forest National Park’s flora includes Ber, Dhak, Tendu, Banyan tree, Casuarina, Prosopis, Acacia, and Jamun.
Gir forest and Asiatic lions
The habitat of Gir forest National Park is dry scrub and deciduous heat, which suits the lifestyle of Asiatic lions. It is noted that the population of the Asiatic lion were reduced when the nawab of Junagadh was there. However, in 2010, the population of the lion was 411. In 2020, the population of the Asiatic lion reached 674 living in the National Park.
According to the data, the population of lions in 1900 was less than 100. Due to this reason, they have declared a “protected species”. According to the census in 1936, the number of lions increased to 289. The reason for the reduction in the number of lions was killing the lions as they attacked. Other than that, selling and shooting them during the excursions.
