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The Charm of Sighting The Great Asiatic Lions
The Asiatic Lion is a smaller species than its cousin in
Africa. Standing at 90 centimetres at the shoulder, the
Asiatic Lion can weigh anything between 200-250 kg. It is
8-9 ft in length, the tail itself measuring about 60-90
cm. It has a much longer mane and tail tuft than the
African Lion. The elbows are also larger and the coat
thinner. But what sets it apart it from its cousin in
Africa is the distinctive fold on its belly.
Unlike most members of the felidae family, adult lions
live in pairs. Normally, the association is long lasting.
It is not unusual to come across a family of a lion,
lioness and three to four cubs under a shady tree or near
a water hole in the Gir. The family relaxes by the day and
hunts when the sun touches the horizon. Hunting is a
family affair. The pride drives and isolates its quarry
from the herd before bringing it down. Eating is again
get-together time, with the family members assembled all
around the kill, munching their favourite parts.
The Asiatic Lion’s prey includes the nilgai, chital,
sambar and almost all ungulates it could lay its paws
upon, including goats, buffaloes and camels that belong to
the Maldharis and Rabaris tribes living on the peripheries
of the Park.
Other Attractions of Gir National Park
Apart from lions, Gir has a considerable population of
leopards. According to a census conducted in1995, the Park
has a total of 294 leopards, making Gir the best place in
India to watch the big cats. But this also makes the Park
a bit cramped for enough space to accommodate all the big
cats.
The logical fallout has been more and more attacks on the
villagers (and their livestock) living on the peripheries
of the sanctuary.
Unfortunately, the Park doesn’t support an adequate number
of prey species. The 1995 census indicates that the area
has total of 772 sambars, 10,446 chitals, 2,081 nilgais,
311 chinkaras, 2,212 wild boars and 6,912 langurs for a
population of more than 600 big cats. Consequently, almost
everyday there are incidences of cattle-lifting. In fact,
the lions have become so daring that sometimes they lift
cattle from the homes of the villagers.
Fascinating Aerial Population
The Park is also rich in birdlife. The most commonly found
birds are the Paradise flycatcher, fish owl, black
vulture, shaheen falcon, crested serpent eagle, Bonelli’s
eagle, crested swift, pied wood-pecker, gray drongo,
cuckoo shrike, painted sandgrouse, gray partridge and the
white-neck stork.
Reptile Population
More than 25 species of reptiles have been identified in
the Park. Marsh crocodiles can be seen in the rivers that
run across its length. There is a Crocodile Rearing Centre
in Sasan, where one can see crocodiles measuring a few
centimetres to a metre.
The best way to observe the wildlife in Gir is by driving
through the most popular and promising trails during early
mornings and late evenings. A good reliable car (although
nothing can match a jeep) can take you from Sasan to
Bhawal Chowk, Kankai, Chodavdi Tulsishyam and Kamaleshwar
Dam.
Getting There
Nearest Airport : Keshod (86km) daily flights
to/from Mumbai via Porbandar, by Gujarat Airways (T21918)
Railway Station : A few hundred metres from the
Forest Lodge at Sasan
Buses : Available from Junagadh (54km)
Facilities
Orientation Centre :
The Sinh Sadan Complex offers information and guidance
about the lions and the area. Every evening, a film show
is organised for the visitor by the forest department at
the centre. The souvenir shop sells postcards, books,
hand-painted T-shirts, etc.
Accomodation :
Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge : This is a government run
comfortable accomodation. A/C and non-A/C rooms with
attached baths are available. The lodge also has a 30-bed
dormitory along with tented accommodation. Visitors should
make their reservations well in advance at the office of
the Dy. CFS Superintendent, Wildlife Division, Sasan Gir,
Junagadh. |
