Lion: A Special Carnivorous Mammal Species| Asiatic and African Lions| Lions of Gir National Park, India|
An Asiatic Lioness Is Resting With Her Cubs In Lion Sanctuary Of Gir, Gujarat, India. |
The lion looks different from other carnivore animals by its magnificent fur.
In Hindu mythology, the lion is considered the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In addition, many stories and legends about lions are found in ancient Greek culture and mentioned in the Quran and the Bible.
Difference Between Asian Lion And African Lion:
At present, lions are found only in Africa and India. However, both African and Indian species differ in many ways.
African lions are bigger than the Indian ones, have more extensive tufted manes, and are more aggressive than Indian lions. In addition, their body shape is different compared to Indian lions. The ears of Indian lions are visible from a distance.
Indian lion species are less aggressive and habituated to human settlements than African lions.
African lions are spread throughout the wilds of Africa, while Indian lions are found only in a limited area. They are located in the lion sanctuary of the Gir forest of the Saurashtra region in the Indian state of Gujarat.
The safety issue of Asiatic Lions:
Movement Records Of Lions In The Asiatic Lion Landscape Outside Of The Protected Areas. Source: Wildlife Division, Sasan Gir. (1990-2015) |
In recent years, probably due to the shrinking forest cover, lions have been seen roaming the villages of Saurashtra, and even in big cities like Amreli and Junagadh, and on the seashore.
In 2022, there will be approximately 109 males, 201 females, and 213 cubs at the Gir.*. Due to the increasing lion population and the shrinking forest area, they migrate toward the seashore and prey on domestic animals.
However, it also hunts wild boars that spoil farmers' crops. In addition, the government provides compensation if a pet falls prey to a milch animal.
Some farmers electrify wire fences to prevent lions and other animals from entering the fields. Many farms have unbanked wells, into which lions and other animals also fall and die. Tourists also taunt lions out of ignorance and as a hobby. They are poached for their pelts.*
There are two natural threats to the lion population.
One risk is drought and lack of food, which can reduce their population and even become extinct if drought conditions persist for too long.
Viral diseases often spread among lions; if it becomes an epidemic, it can be challenging to save the lion species.
Practically speaking, it is necessary to build one or two sanctuaries in other remote safe places, which the government is trying. Still, the dwellers of Gir oppose this considering it their pride.
However, about 50 lions have been kept for conservation at Sakkarbagh Zoo in Junagadh, and zoo keepers take care of their breeding.
AKOOPAR: An excellent Gujarati novel on the Lions of Gir:
AKOOPAR: An excellent Gujarati novel on the Lions of Gir. |
Click here to know details about the book, AKOOPAR.
An excellent novel in the Gujarati language called Akoopar describes the co-dwellings of lions and natives in the Gir region. The author of this book is Mr. Dhruv Bhatt. He has written the book after research, staying in the forests of the Gir and surrounding areas. Also, this book stands as documentary literature.
A maestro movie director can make a good movie from this novel that can stand up to the international jungle movies.
How to reach Gir Sanctuary?
Note:The sanctuary remains open for tourism from 16 October to 15 June.
Sasan Gir National Park, located in Gujarat - India Gir, Gujarat State, India, is the only habitat of the Asiatic Lions. Here you will see more than 400 plant species and more than 2375 animal species. Thousands of tourists visit Gir sanctuary every year.
The following services are available to reach there:
By Road:
The road distance from the following cities to Gir National Park.
|
- 410 km. - 160 km. - 110 km. - 87 km - 55 km. - 45 km. - 50 km. - @45 km. |
By air:
List of the nearby domestic airports and distant of them from Gir National Park.
Airports |
Distance |
|
- 160 km. - 110 km. - 87 km. - @45km. |
Note: Domestic Flight available from International airports for foreigners.(Recommended to check latest updates before planning.)
By Rail:
The nearest railway stations to Gir National Park are Junagadh and Veraval railway stations. Both railway stations are on the main railway line of the state and are connected to all major places in the country. It takes about 1.5 hours to 2 hours by road to reach Gir from either location. Cab, taxi, or bus service is available from here. Please refer official website for the latest details before planning; *link is given below.
*Related links:
- Official website for the latest details.
- Gir National Park.
- The 9 Core Issues Affecting Safety of Asiatic Lions in India.
- Endangered Gir lions conquer viral threat, experts advise moving some prides to other Parks.
Video:
India's Wandering Lions|
Wildlife Asiatic Lion Documentary - Amazing Wild Nature.
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