A jeep safari in Gir National Park forms the perfect epitome of the word, “adventure”. Situated between Junagadh and Veraval, this forest is the last shelter of Panthera leo persica (an Asiatic lion). A safari amidst the undisturbed greens would be a thing of joy if the spunk of free lions was not added in it. Yes, the wildlife has free moving lions and other wildlife habitats to spot.
The peak time to reach at the access point of this sanctuary which is Sasan Gir village is from the months of December to April. The village dwells at an interesting point of a minor road which stretches from Veraval and Junagadh. The distance is of 40 kms.
[themify_quote]If we dig deep into the history, the sanctuary was set up in the year 1965 and was declared as national park in the year 1975. Since then, the lion numbers have seen a fortunate rise from 200 to 400.[/themify_quote]
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Other wildlife attractions of this sanctuary:
- Dainty Chital (Spotted Dear)
- Sambar (Large Deer)
- Nilgais (Large antelopes)
- Chousinghas (four-horned antelopes)
- Chinkaras (gazelles)
- Crocodiles
- Hard to find leopards
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The human troop of this sanctuary, maldhari (herders) have moved from this place and placed somewhere else. The chief reason behind this was, to save their cattle from untimely preying. This was apparent, that they were facing an environment of rivalry for the food between their cattle and deer, gazelles and antelopes of that area. The remaining 1000 people in that park face the killing game between lions and their livestock.
However, the Gir National Park makes a decent place for the lions living here, but with time it is losing the luxury of space for their increasing population. Many of them have been transferred to the other spots of the country which can accommodate them.
The discussion of making tiger country in Madhya Pradesh was prevalent but it didn’t see the light of the day because of Gujarat government’s oppose. Till now, Gujarat is the only residence for India’s lions.
