Gir National Park

Q: Where is Gir National Park located?

It is located in the western part of Gujarat, spanning Junagadh, Amreli, and Gir Somnath districts.

Q: What is Gir National Park famous for?

It is the only place in the world where Asiatic Lions are found in the wild.

Q: What is the total area of Gir National Park and Sanctuary?

The combined area is approximately 1,412 sq. km, with the core national park covering about 259 sq. km.

Q: Which rivers flow through Gir National Park?

Major rivers include the Hiran, Shetrunji, Datardi, and Shingoda.

Q: Why is Gir National Park important for UPSC preparation?

It represents a key success in species-specific conservation and is relevant under topics like protected areas, biodiversity, Project Lion, and environment-related questions in Prelims and GS Paper III.

Table of Contents☰

Gir National Park, also known as Sasan Gir, is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) in the world which is located in the Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli districts of Gujarat. it was declared a sanctuary in 1965 and a national park in 1975. Gir National Park holds immense ecological, cultural, and conservational significance and often features in questions related to biodiversity conservation, especially in UPSC Prelims.

Gir National Park is globally renowned for its Asiatic Lion population, which was once at risk of extinction. Through strong conservation efforts led by the Gujarat Forest Department, their numbers have risen steadily over the years. The park spans 1,412 sq. km (including the sanctuary and national park areas) and offers a mix of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hills. Apart from lions, the park is home to a rich diversity of mammals, reptiles, and birds. It also plays a crucial role in the livelihood of Maldhari tribal communities, who live in harmony with wildlife within the sanctuary.

Also Read: Keoladeo Ghana National Park

Geographical Features of Gir National Park

Geographical Features of Gir National Park are defined by hills, plateaus, and river systems that contribute to its ecological richness. The park falls in the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous eco-region and experiences a tropical monsoon climate.

Location: Western Gujarat (Junagadh, Gir Somnath & Amreli districts)
Total Area: ~1,412 sq. km (National Park: 258.71 sq. km; Sanctuary: 1,153.42 sq. km)
Altitude: Ranges from 150 to 530 meters above sea level
Rivers: Shetrunji, Hiran, Datardi, Machhundri, Shingoda
Climate: Dry with distinct summer, monsoon, and winter seasons

Gir National Park Flora

The Gir National Park Flora consists of dry deciduous forests, with patches of thorn scrub and savannah-type grasslands. The diversity supports a stable food chain and habitat for large herbivores and carnivores. Major Plant Species:

Gir National Park Flora
Aspect	Details
Plant Diversity	Over 400 species, including teak, acacia, flame of the forest, tendu, jamun, karanj, amli, and Prosopis. Teak dominates the eastern region.
Topography	Made up of ridges, hills, plateaus, and valleys, supports deciduous and thorn forests with fertile soil.
Shrubs & Herbs	Includes ber, babul, jamun, wild flowering shrubs, and various grasses providing shade and fodder.
Grasslands	Tall grasses regenerate quickly, serve as habitat and shelter for herbivores.
Bamboo Presence	Dense bamboo patches reduce pollution and support a rich ecosystem, a key highlight of Gir’s vegetation.

Gir National Park Fauna

Gir National Park Fauna includes the population of lions which has crossed 600, marking a major conservation success. Apart from lions, Gir houses more than 38 species of mammals, 300+ species of birds, and 40+ species of reptiles.

Gir National Park Fauna
Category	Details
Total Wildlife Species	Approx. 2,375 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Mammals	40 species including Asiatic Lions (exclusive habitat), Indian leopards, jungle cats, blackbucks, hyenas, jackals, and mongooses.
Asiatic Lion Population	201 females, 109 males, and 213 cubs – the only natural habitat for Asiatic Lions in India.
Herbivores	Chital, four-horned antelope, nilgai, sambar, wild boar, chinkara.
Carnivores	Asiatic lion, Indian leopard, jungle cat, striped hyena, golden jackal, Bengal fox, mongoose species, honey badger.
Bird Species	Over 300 species, including Indian Skimmer, Dalmatian Pelican, Spotted Eagle, White-backed Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Indian Pitta, woodpeckers, and warblers.
Reptiles	27 species: Monitor lizard, Marsh crocodile, Star tortoise, Indian chameleon, skinks, garden lizard, sand boa, etc.
Marsh Crocodiles	Gir has the highest population of marsh crocodiles in India, with a reserved area for their conservation.