Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Last updated
Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary
LocationJunagadh district, Gujarat, India
Nearest cityJunagadh
Coordinates 21°25′N70°30′E / 21.417°N 70.500°E / 21.417; 70.500
Area178.8 km²
Established2008
Governing bodyGujarat Forest Department

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. Nestled within the Girnar hills, it serves as a crucial habitat for several endangered species, most notably the Asiatic lion. The sanctuary was officially declared a protected area in 2008 to preserve its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

Biodiversity

The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Key species include: [4]

History

The Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary has historical significance as it was once a hunting reserve of the Junagadh State during the rule of the Babi Nawabs. Recognizing its ecological importance, the area was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 2008. [5] [6]

Accessibility

The sanctuary is easily accessible from nearby cities:

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter months, from November to March. The sanctuary remains closed from mid-June to mid-October due to the monsoon season.

Conservation Efforts

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary plays a pivotal role in the conservation of the Asiatic lion. Safari rides are available for visitors to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. The sanctuary's efforts are part of a broader initiative to protect Gujarat's unique biodiversity. [7]

See Also

References

  1. "New lion safari route started in Girnar wildlife sanctuary". The Times of India. 2021-01-28. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2025-01-28.
  2. Sirur, Simrin (2021-04-25). "From bare hills to thriving home for Asiatic Lion — how Girnar scripted a green makeover". ThePrint. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
  3. "Gujarat: Lion safaris begin at Girnar sanctuary". The Indian Express. 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
  4. "'Gir sanctuary in Gujarat sees stable spotted deer, sambar count'". The Times of India. 2023-10-16. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2025-01-28.
  5. "From 94% in 2000 to 83% in 2020: CEPT varsity study highlights decline in vegetation in Gujarat's Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary over 2 decades". The Indian Express. 2024-11-25. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
  6. "Gujarat: Group of lions walk into Junagarh city, sent back to Gir Sanctuary". ANI News. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
  7. Ram, Mohan; Sahu, Aradhana; Srivastava, Nityanand; Jhala, Lahar; Zala, Yashpal; Venkataraman, Meena (2025-01-01). "Successful satellite population management: Girnar wildlife sanctuary as a habitat for Asiatic lions". Global Ecology and Conservation. 57: e03384. Bibcode:2025GEcoC..5703384R. doi: 10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03384 . ISSN   2351-9894.