gir national park in gujarat is famous for which animal
Gir Forest National Park Its region is the sole home of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) in the wilderness, and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. The ecosystem of Gir, with its diverse flora and fauna, is protected as a result of the efforts of the government forest department, wildlife activists and NGOs. The forest area of Gir were the hunting grounds of the Nawabs of Junagadh. However, faced with a drastic drop in the lion population in Gir, after British viceroys brought to his attention the plight of the lion in Asia, the sanctuary is the jewel of Gujarat's ecological resources. ,. His son, Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khan III[4] later assisted in the conservation of the lions whose population had plummeted to only 20 through slaughter for trophy hunting.[1]
Asiatic lion In the Gir Forest, an area of 1,412.1 km2 (545.2 sq mi) was declared as a sanctuary for Asiatic lion conservation in 1965. This sanctuary and the surrounding areas in Saurashtra, Western India, are the only wild habitats supporting the Asiatic lion.[7] After 1965, a national park with an area of 258.71 km2 (99.89 sq mi) was established where human activity is not allowed. In the surrounding sanctuary only Maldharis have the right to take their livestock for grazing.[40]