Gir National Park and Sanctuary Essay Example

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The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan Gir) is a forest and Wildlife Sanctuary located in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965, it encompasses a total area of 1,412 km. Out of this, about 258 km is designated as a fully protected National Park while the remaining 1153 km serves as a Sanctuary. Situated approximately 65 km southeast of Junagadh, it is recognized as the exclusive habitat for pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica). This park holds immense importance among protected areas in Asia for lion conservation. The forestry department, along with environmental activists and NGOs have played crucial roles in preserving the diverse flora and fauna found within the Gir ecosystem.

In the early 1900s, the Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh informed the Gir Forest area and its lions that they were "protected." This conservation initiative aimed to save the dwindling lion population, which had fallen to only 15 due to trophy hunting. In April 2010, a census recorded 411 lions in Gir, an increase of 1952 compared to 2005. The number of captive-bred lions in the park and its surroundings also grew by approximately 180. In addition to the two seasons of summer and winter, Gir experiences a tropical monsoon climate.

The summer temperatures in Gujarat, India can reach up to 43 ° C (109 ° F) and the monsoon in June brings humidity. In winter, the temperatures drop to around 10 ° C (50 ° F). The monsoon typically begins in mid-June and lasts until September, resulting in annual rainfall ranging from 600 mm to 1000 mm. However, due to irregular monsoons

and uneven distribution of precipitation, there have been years of widespread drought on the peninsula. Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan-Gir) is situated in Gujarat, India.

The park, which was established in 1965, covers a total area of 1412 km?, with approximately 258 km? dedicated to the national park and 1153 km? for the Sanctuary. Situated 65 km southeast of Junagadh and 60 km southwest of Amreli, it serves as the exclusive habitat for the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica) and is recognized as a significant protected area in Asia for its supported species. The diverse flora and fauna of Gir's ecosystem are safeguarded through the collaborative efforts of the government forest department, wildlife activists, and NGOs.

The Nawab of Junagadh declared the forest area of Gir and its lions as "protected" in the early 1900s. This action helped preserve the lion population, which had dwindled to just 15 due to trophy hunting. According to the April 2010 census, there were 411 lions in Gir, an increase of 52 compared to 2005. The lion breeding program, which encompasses the park and its surrounding area, has successfully bred approximately 180 lions in captivity since its establishment. A survey conducted by Samtapau & Raizada in 1955 identified over 400 plant species in the Gir forest.

The Botany department of M. S. University of Baroda has documented a survey count of 507. As per Champion & Sheth's forest type classification from 1964, the Gir forest is recognized as "5A/C-1a—very dry teak forest." This forest comprises a combination of teak trees and other species that are characteristic of dry deciduous environments. The

degradation stages (DS) within this forest are further divided into two sub-types: 1) 5/DS1-Dry deciduous scrub forest and 2) 5/DS1-Dry savannah forests, which are locally known as "vidis". Located in western India, the Gir forest is the largest dry deciduous forest in the region. The eastern part of the forest covers approximately half its total area and contains a significant number of teak-bearing regions.

The forest is highly valuable due to its scientific, educational, aesthetic, and recreational benefits. It annually produces around 5 million kilograms of green grass worth Rs. 50 crores (Rs. 500,000,000) (US$10 million). Moreover, it supplies approximately 15,000 metric tons of fuel wood per year. Although small mammals like Porcupine and Hare are commonly found in the forest, sightings of Pangolin are rare. In terms of reptiles, the sanctuary's water areas have a thriving population of mugger Marsh crocodiles (the highest among all protected areas in India), Indian Star Tortoises, and Monitor Lizards.

In the bushes and forest, snakes can be found while pythons are occasionally spotted near stream banks. The Gujarat State Forest Department has been utilizing Gir for the Indian Crocodile Conservation Project since 1977. They have released around 1000 Marsh crocodiles, which were raised in the Gir rearing center, into Kamaleshwar lake and other nearby reservoirs and water bodies. Gir is home to a diverse avifauna population consisting of over 300 resident bird species. Within this group, there are six recorded vulture species known as scavengers.

The species discovered in Gir include the Crested Serpent Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle (an endangered species), Crested Hawk-eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Great Horned Owl, Bush Quail (also known as Quailbush), Pygmy

Woodpecker, Black-headed Oriole, Crested Treeswift, and Indian Pitta. However, the Indian Grey Hornbill was not found during the last census conducted in 2001. The Gir forest consists of a combination of dry deciduous and very dry teak forests. It serves as an important location for biological research and possesses various scientific, educational, aesthetic, recreational, and economic values.

The forest's annual harvest yields nearly 5 million kgs of green grass, valued at approximately Rs. 50 crores (Rs. 500,000,000) (US$ 10 million), as well as about 15,000 metric tons of fuel wood each year. Alongside the various environmental services provided by the forest, these benefits should be sufficient reasons to protect it. Despite being classified as a dry land, Gir is rich in life and serves as a home to many survivors. The male Lion is the main attraction here, particularly in the early morning when lone lions, pairs, or the pride are on patrol. These lions have no fear towards humans and can be seen up close.

Gir is home to a diverse range of mammals, with 38 species including mongoose, chowsingha, and nilgai. The leopard population in Gir exceeds 200 individuals, making it one of the more elusive inhabitants along with the spotted hyena and jungle cat. Visitors may also spot star tortoises and monitor lizards in this area. Notably, Gir is known for its significant population of marsh crocodiles, which number nearly a thousand. In terms of bird species, the park offers over 300 varieties including raptors like ospreys, peregrine falcons, fish owls, crested serpent eagles,bonelli's eagles,goshawks,and Montagu's Harriers.

The water bird species found in Gir National Park in Gujarat include

redshanks, jacanas, plovers, marsh sandpipers, ruddy shelduck, spotbills, shovellers, nakta, little grebes, lesser whistling teal, ibis, and painted storks. Additionally, birdwatchers can also find wrynecks, nightjars, pygmy woodpeckers, Indian pittas, shrikes, drongos, barbets, Indian rollers, grey partridge, jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, green pigeons, paradise flycatchers, bush larks, bee-eaters, minivets, and warblers in the park. Gir National Park is also known as Gir Wildlife Sanctuary Gujarat.

The Gir National Park in Gujarat, established on September 18, 1965, is a forest reserve dedicated to the protection of the endangered Asiatic lion. In 1975, a section of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a national park. Through conservation efforts, the population of lions in this area has flourished, increasing from 177 in 1974 to 411 in 2010. Situated in the Junagadh District of Gujarat state, the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary has been the sole habitat for Asiatic lions since 1884.

The Gir Sanctuary in 1985 had around 239 lions, with the Asiatic lion being slightly smaller than its African counterpart. The most ideal time to observe these majestic creatures is during dusk and dawn when they are actively hunting. Initially, the sanctuary was protected by the royal family known as Nawab of Junagadh, but later British viceroys became aware of the challenges faced by the Asiatic lion. Today, Gir Wildlife sanctuary remains a significant ecological asset in Gujarat.