Gir National Park
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir, is a forest, national park, and wildlife sanctuary near Talala Gir in Gujarat, India. It is located 43 km (27 mi) north-east of Somnath, 65 km (40 mi) south-east of Junagadh and 60 km (37 mi) south-west of Amreli. It was established in 1965 in the erstwhile Nawab of Junagarh's private hunting area, with a total area of 1,410.30 km2 (544.52 sq mi), of which 258.71 km2 (99.89 sq mi) is fully protected as a national park and 1,151.59 km2 (444.63 sq mi) as wildlife sanctuary. It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
| Gir National Park | |
|---|---|
IUCN category II (national park) | |
Family of Asiatic lions at Gir National Park | |
Location map | |
| Location | Junagadh, Gir Somnath and Amreli Districts, Gujarat, India |
| Nearest city | Talala (Gir), Veraval |
| Coordinates | 21°08′08″N 70°47′48″E |
| Area | 1,410.30 km2 (544.52 sq mi) |
| Established | 1965 |
| Visitors | 60,148 (in 2004) |
| Governing body | Forests & Environment Department |
The 14th Asiatic Lion Census 2015 was conducted in May 2015. In 2015, the population was 523 (27% up compared to previous census in 2010). The population was 411 in 2010 and 359 in 2005. The lion population in Junagadh District was 268 individuals, 44 in Gir Somnath District, 174 in Amreli District, and 37 in Bhavangar District. There are 109 males, 201 females and 213 cubs.
Gir National Park is closed from 16 June to 15 October every year, throughout the monsoon season.