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Home to the last
surviving population of the Asiatic Lions, the Gir National
Park is Located in the south-west border of the Saurashtra
Peninsula in the state of Gujarat India. Inhabiting about 300
Asiatic Lions, this area flanked with three unique and unusual
reserves, the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary; the Rann of Kutch
and the Flamingo Islands makes a very delightful wildlife
holiday for the wildlife enthusiasts.
Spread in an area of 1412.13 sq km, the Gir park area was the
royal hunting grounds of the Nawab of Junagadh, and later
defined as a protected forest by the concerned Government
bodies. In 1966, 600 sq km were initially bounded as the Gir
forest area, which was further extended to 1150 sq km. The
park with it's core area of approximately 300 sq km was
officially declared a national park in 1975.
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The Flora
Species like the Jamun, Karanj, Ber, Tendu, Semul, Umro, Vad,
Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here.
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The Fauna
Besides the Asiatic Lion, Gir is also home to one of the
largest Leopard populations in any park in India. Other animal
residents of the Gir national park are Sambar, Chital, Nilgai,
Chowsingha, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur, Jackal,
Panthers, Wild Cats and Hares and Hyena.
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The Avifauna
Numerous birds like Paradise Flycatchers, Black headed Cuckoo
Shrike, Gray Drongo, Pied Woodpeckers, Coppersmiths, Indian
Rollers, Crested Swifts, Fish Owls, Black Vultures, Shaheen
Falcons, Bonelli's Eagles, Flamingo, Crested Serpent Eagles,
Painted Sandgrouse, Rock Bush Quail, Gray Partridge, Painted
Storks and White Necked Storks are found here.
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The Reptiles
Marsh Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Pythons and a large variety
of snakes.
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The Park Trip
Jeep is the best option to explore the park.
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