While Gir is renowned for its Asiatic lions, it hosts an impressive diversity of wildlife including 38 species of mammals, 300 bird species, 37 reptile species, and over 2,000 insect species. Key mammals include leopards, striped hyenas, Indian foxes, and the world's only four-horned antelope. The park is also home to the largest breeding population of marsh crocodiles in India and serves as a crucial habitat for endangered vulture species.
Gir's vegetation is classified as tropical dry deciduous forest, featuring over 500 plant species. The dominant tree species include teak, acacia, jamun, and dhak. The forest is interspersed with grasslands known as 'vidis', creating a mixed ecosystem. Unique to Gir are the Flame of the Forest trees, which paint the landscape orange during spring, and the native Karanj trees that provide crucial shade for wildlife.
The Gir landscape consists of rugged hills, deep valleys, and plateaus formed from ancient volcanic and metamorphic rocks. The terrain varies in elevation from 150 to 648 meters above sea level, creating diverse microclimates. The region features distinctive reddish-yellow soil derived from basalt rock formations, and is intersected by seven major perennial rivers including the Hiran, Saraswati, and Datardi.
Gir's conservation story began in the early 1900s when the Nawab of Junagadh gave strict protection to Asiatic lions, whose population had dwindled to only 20. The area was declared a protected forest in 1900 and became a National Park in 1975. This successful conservation effort has led to the lion population growing to over 600 today, making Gir the last remaining natural habitat of Asiatic lions in the world.
Gir's most distinctive feature is its role as the world's last refuge for wild Asiatic lions. The park's unique ecosystem includes the Kamleshwar Dam, which provides year-round water supply, and the Interpretation Zone at Devalia Safari Park, offering guaranteed lion sightings. The presence of the Maldhari tribal community, who have traditionally lived alongside lions while raising livestock, adds a unique cultural dimension to the park's conservation story.
Gir experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Summers (March-June) are hot and dry with temperatures reaching 43°C, while winters (November-February) are mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10-25°C. The monsoon season (July-September) brings moderate rainfall averaging 1000mm annually. The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is comfortable and wildlife sightings are optimal.
India
21.1250°, 70.8240°
1965
1412
Gir National Park is the last remaining natural habitat of the Asiatic lion in the world. The park features dry deciduous forests and savanna type grasslands. Besides lions, it hosts leopards, sambar deer, and over 300 species of birds.