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According to a census conducted earlier this year, there are 411 Asiatic lions in Gir, the last natural abode of such cats in the world. In 2005, when the previous count was held, this figure was 359.

“We are very happy that 50 lionesses are pregnant. Our efforts to limit the movement of vehicles during the mating period of lions have yielded results,” Principal Secretary to the Forest Department S K Nanda told Mirror. Restrictions on vehicular movement in and around the sanctuary would continue to be in place, he said.

“Vehicles will not be allowed to enter the gir forest. Outside the sanctuary, speed limits have been introduced,” Nanda said.

“During pregnancy, lionesses move slowly. We are tracking their movements through GPS. Beat guards are also keeping a watch.”

Expectant cats are likely to give birth in January and February. The survival rate of cubs, which are often killed by lions looking to mate with their partners again, is low.

However, this time forest officials feel more cubs will survive because for the past one year elder lionesses have been looking after young members of the pride.

“We have seen that old females protect cubs from adult males. In fact, the number of attacks on cubs by adult males has come down,” a Gir official said. The population of adult Asiatic lionesses in Gir is more than that of adult males. There are 162 adult females and 97 adult males.

This year’s census revealed that there are 77 cubs. Nearly 40 per cent of the lion population is young and this bodes well for the Asiatic beast’s future.

Last year, the state government announced a special package of Rs 40 crore for the region. Forest officials were provided more staff and better equipment to prevent unnatural deaths of the wild cats.

Entry of vehicles in transit through the streets Gir National Park, the last place of residence and Asiatic lions, it is forbidden at night, a move that will help protect the wildlife area. To move the Gujarat Forest Department to provide relief from much-needed wild Gir about 10 main roads through the sanctuary. This step reduces the risk of animals belonging to the wheels of vehicles and save them from noise.

Source : Mahindra Holidays

The local administration claimed that Khusboo Gujarat Ki campaign, a series of tourism advertisements featuring Amitabh Bachchan, has been a success. As a result, the number of tourists at Sasan this Diwali has gone up almost two-fold than the previous years. Some 20 hotels and resorts in the area have been booked full to their capacity till mid-November.

The forest department too has been on its toes as it has doubled the permit quota per day for the GWS to accommodate heavy tourist rush.

“The result of advertisement campaign is there to see for us in the first season itself. Sasan has been flooded with tourists like never before,” said local mamlatdar Rekhaba Servaiya, adding that “the same administration has stepped up vigil to prevent exploitation of tourists”.

Associate Professor Panchami Mistry will conduct a four-month workshop at Hadmatiya village in Sasan Gir. Panchami says, “Siddi women are educated and can quickly grasp anything — a plus point for them. They are also very hard-working and want to earn good money for their family.

Since they are already good at making handicrafts, we have decided to train them in designing lifestyle products, which can be embellished with African and Gujarati artwork. Also, they would be trained in making bead and wooden jewellery. We will also sensitise and encourage these women to come up with their own ideas and designs in making such products.”

She adds, “During the initial stage of the project, we received an overwhelming from women who want to participate in this workshop as they wish to be self-employed rather than depend on the male members of the tribe.

The products, made by Siddi women (below), will feature African and Gujarati art
 
Around 150 women will be divided into three groups for the workshop. The products will range from handbags, clutches, pen stands, cushion covers, photo frames, toys and bead as well as wooden jewellery.”

To give a unique identity to these products, NIFT will promote the figurine of Gazala — daughter of one of the Siddi women — dressed in Gujarati or Siddi attire. This mascot will be available with all products and will also be the logo of the project.

“Gazala is a three-year-old girl from the tribe. She is very intelligent and naughty. She is the perfect mascot for us. The ‘Gazala’ logo will ensure that customers will immediately associate products with Siddi tribe. We want people to know about this ethnic tribe which has embraced Gujarati culture and tradition wholeheartedly,” said NIFT professor.

The Siddis are a tribal community, whose ancestors were brought by Arab merchants from Africa around 600 years ago to serve as soldiers or slaves under the Portuguese and British authorities, or as servants to the Nawabs. More than 22,000 Siddis live in 19 villages in Junagadh.

Jambur Gir India

Flora:


Vegetation in Gir can be looked at in four ways. The first is the Teak forest and nearly half of the protected area has this kind of a habitat. The main tree species that occupy this habitat are Khair, Sadad, Timru, Babul, Amla, Moledi, Dhavdo, Kadayo and Bahedo. The non-Teak forests, which comprise the remaining forest consists of tree species like the Khair, Dhavdo, Sadad, Timru, Amla, Moledi, Kadayo, Salai, Simal, Khakhro, Ber and Asundro. A distinct belt of vegetation is found along the main rivers and streams. Species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are found here. These trees are mostly broad leaved and evergreen, giving the area a cool shade and the moisture content. Finally, Prosopis and Casuarina have been planted in the coastal border as part of the aforestation plan.


Water reserves:

The seven major perennial rivers of the Gir region are Hiran, Shetrunji, Datardi, Shingoda, Machhundri, Ghodavari and Raval. The four reservoirs of the area are at four dams, one each on Hiran, Machhundri, Raval and Shingoda rivers, including the biggest reservoir in the area, the Kamleshwar Dam, dubbed 'the lifeline of Gir'.During peak summer, surface water for wild animals is available at about 300 water points. When drought hits the area following a poor rainfall, surface water is not available at a majority of these points, and water scarcity becomes a serious problem (mainly in the eastern part of the sanctuary). Ensuring the availability of water during peak summer is one of the major tasks of the Forest Department staff.

Gir Lion:

Gir Sanctuary is the last and only home of the critically endangered Asiatic Lion. These lions are a smaller more compact version of their African version, and are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. The major difference between the two is that the African Lion appears larger than the Indian Lion because of its large and luxuriant mane.

Leopards:


Leopard is considered to be one of the most beautiful and graceful animals in the jungle, also the most dangerous one. Popularly known as the Prince of Cats, this animal is the most adaptable from the family of predators, one the reason why it occupies a much larger spread of Gujarat forest cover, and in Gir National Park it has been found in all the varied habitats and vegetation types. The approximate population of 210 Leopards resides within the sanctuary area.

Reptiles:

Not leaving the water predators behind, Mash crocodiles are often seen along the Kamleshwar Dam Site. Another major attraction among the reptile population of Gir National Park are the numerous non-venomous Snakes such as the Indian Rock Python along with the four venomous varieties, which are Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Saw Scaled Viper, Russell's Viper.

Wildlife:

The foremost attraction in the park is the beasts that roam around freely, the most majestic being undoubtedly the lion. It is this majestic beast that attracts the maximum tourists to this park. Of course, you must understand that it would probably take a long time to view lions or lionesses with their cubs, since they don’t emerge too quickly out of their hiding. However, other creatures that inhabit the park and that are equally interesting to look out for are leopards, jungle cat, hyenas, jackals and mongoose.

Birds:


A sure bird-watcher’s paradise, the park has quite a variety of vultures, crested serpent eagle, the endangered bonelli's eagle, crested hawk-eagle and the great horned owl. Occasionally the Indian grey hornbill can also be spotted here.

Nalsarovar Lake and Bird Sanctuary:

This sanctuary comes under the Gir Forest and is home to a large number of birds. It is the largest wetland and bird sanctuary in India.

Crocodile Breeding Farm:

The Crocodile Breeding Farm near Sasan is an interesting place to see, where reptiles are hatched and reared before they are set free into the forest in their natural habitat.

Tulsi Shyam Temple:

A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is present in the area belonging to the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary. Hot springs nearby are also a major attraction. The strong smell of sulphur here makes the area easily recognizable.

The Ashokan Edicts, situated at the foothills of the mountains of Girnar, is one of the major Tourist attractions in Junagadh exuding the religious tolerance of the great Emperor, Ashoka. The inscription speaks of the greatness of the king in matters of secularism and depicts him as a king who encouraged unity and integrity.History of the Ashokan Edicts,Etched in a huge boulder, the edicts were founded by James Todd, but it was much later by 1837 that Rev. Dr. John Wilson who made them properly known to the world by copying the edicts and in 1843 they were enlisted in the Bombay branch journal by the Royal Asiatic Society.With roots around 250 B.C, the Ashokan Edicts, Junagadh, fourteen in number, are extremely valuable assets of India's rich cultural past. The edicts of Ashoka have been scripted in Brahmi in Pali language and engraved into large granite stone give and spread the word of Ashoka's philosophy to the world and thereby convey and propagate the word of Buddha to the whole world.

 

The state of Gujarat boasts of a number of historical Forts and monuments in Junagadh. Built and rebuilt repeatedly, the Uperkot Fort, Junagadh, one of the two fortifications of the city, has of late become one of the main Tourist attractions in Junagadh. Adding to the advantage of the fort being less thronged has helped it retain the ethnicity without losing any bit of its charm.From the little chronological information that we get regarding the historical origin of the Uperkot Fort, Junagadh, was built by Chandragupta Maurya in 319 B.C. Later, around 10th century, Rah Grahar reconstructed the entire palace out of the ruins and built the fort along with all the updated requirements of a proper one. However, according to whatever evidence is available, it can be said that the fort was erected in or around the third century or in the times of the Mahabharata.

Mahabat Maqbara (Junagadh):

The etymological meaning of Junagadh is "old Fort". It is located in the state of Gujarat in the laps of the sacred hills of Girnar in Saurashtra. Amongst the various forts and monuments in Junagadh, one of the major Tourist attractions in Junagadh, the Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh is an exquisite exhibition of the nineteenth century art and architecture.The city of Junagadh can boast of some beautiful ancient mausoleum erected by the Nawabs of Junagadh in the 18th century in the area around Chitkana Chowk. These mausoleum are charming in their own way, with nicely designed arches, vertical columns, and intricate stone carvings. However, the mausoleum built later; or rather the newer ones are more attractive and lure a greater number of tourists who floch to this place every year.Started in 1878 by Mahabat Khanji and completed in the year 1892 by his successor, Bahadur Kanji, the Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh houses the tombs of Mahabat Khan, Baha-ud-din, minister of Nawab Rasul Khanji.

 

The Junagadh Zoo Museum, Junagadh is one of the most frequented Tourist attractions in Junagadh for obvious reasons. A museum incorporated within the premises of a zoological garden is undoubtedly exclusive in its own sense. It is situated at the foothills of Mount Girnar.Set up in 1863 A.D, and situated at 4km north of the southern part of Junagadh, the Sakkar Bagh Zoo, Junagadh, is oldest of its kind in the entire state of Gujarat, set up by the Nawab with a view to keep poaching under control of the Asiatic lion. It is a well maintained animal park , home to several species of motley colored birds, including flamingos, tigers, lions, leopards and other royal beasts. In the very premises of the zoo, there exists the Junagadh Zoo Museum, Junagadh with various objects which emit cultural evidences from the past.The co-existence of a zoo and a museum undoubtedly makes Junagadh Zoo Museum one of the most visited Tourist attractions in Junagadh. The zoo, comprising of the various animals and birds of a variety of taxonomic categories, also is home to a museum which preserves the very valuable documents, manuscripts, sovereigns, sculptures, various letterings, miniature paintings.

Temple of Amba Mata (Junagadh):

Tourists coming to Junagadh would be fascinated by its picturesque setting. The religious places and historical monuments of Junagadh attract many travelers from every nook and corner of the world. In the register of the Holy Places in Junagadh, the Temple of Amba Mata, Junagadh stands out and merits a special mention. Owing to buses that ply frequently between Junagadh and other chief locations of Gujarat, you can reach the Junagadh Temple of Amba Mata without any trouble.

Temple of Mallinath (Junagadh):

Tourists coming to Junagadh would be enchanted by its numerous temples, forts and museums. Amongst the Holy Places in Junagadh, the Temple of Mallinath, Junagadh deserves a special mention. As Junagadh is well linked to other key locations of Gujarat via regular bus services, reaching this temple would not pose any problem.The credit of the construction of Temple of Mallinath, Junagadh, Gujarat, India goes to two brothers named Vastupal and Tejpal. Junagadh Temple of Mallinath was erected in 1177 by this duo.Actually the Junagadh Temple of Mallinath is a triple temple. The exteriors of this temple are exquisitely carved and present a stunning sight to behold. At this temple, you would be able to get a captivating insight into Jain religious rituals. Akin to a Hindu temple, pilgrims at this place also offer leaves, fruit, flowers, vermilion, sandalwood paste and grains to the deity, amidst ringing of the bells and chanting of mantras. Once the pooja gets over, these devotees adorn their foreheads with liberal daubs of vermilion as well as sandalwood paste. A generous amount of money is also offered for the upkeep of the shrine.

Bhavnath Mahadev Temple (Junagadh):

Located at the foot hills of the Girnar Hills, the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is one of the foremost Holy Places in Junagadh. Nothing much is known about its precise origin but there is no scope of doubt about its historicity. It has stood their since ancient times. Visited by religious minded devotees all along the year, it is however best known for being the venue of the famous Bhavnath Fair.Held in the month of Magha as per the Hindu calendar (roughly coincides with January/February) this fair is the meeting point of a large number of people and is celebrated with a great deal of mirth and good cheer. It continues for five days. Events include performances put up by folk singers and dancers. One of the most striking features of this fair hosted at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is the active participation of the Naga Bavas.The worship starts at mid night on the 14th day of the dark half in the Magha month and as soon as the puja commences these sages are seen advancing towards the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple seated on elephants holding flags in their hands. The air reverberates with the sounds of the conch shells, the tungis and the turis. A strong belief is prevalent that on this day Lord Shiva himself visits the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple. The organizers serve free meals to the visitors on this auspicious occasion.

Temple of Gorakhnath (Junagadh):

Tourists coming to Junagadh would be captivated by its various museums, temples and forts. In the category of the Holy Places in Junagadh, the Temple of Gorakhnath, Junagadh merits a special mention. As buses ply regularly between Junagadh and other key locations of the State of Gujarat, you would be able to reach this temple without any trouble.The Temple of Gorakhnath, Junagadh, Gujarat, India is an ancient temple. However, no comprehensive records are found till date to establish the date of its construction.Junagadh Temple of Gorakhnath is positioned at the Girnar Hill in the district of Junagadh, Gujarat. Girnar Hill lies about 5 kms to the east of Junagadh. The presiding deity at this temple is Lord Gorakhnath. In the vicinity of this beautiful temple, you would get the chance to see several other Hindu temples along with a number of Jain temples.So, visit the Temple of Gorakhnath, Junagadh at your earliest to experience divine bliss. This visit would surely remain etched in your mind for a long time to come.

Somnath Temple (Veraval-Junagadh):

The temple of Somnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva is situated 79 Kms. from Junagadh and 25 Kms. from Chorwad. According to the legend, Somnath is as old as creation, built by none other than the Moon God himself. The remains of the temple of Somanath "withstood the shocks of time and survived the attacks of destroyers. The temple has imposing architecture and is a beautiful sight facing the blue expanse of the Arabian Sea. A short distance from the Somnath temple is Bakhla Tirth, where Lord Krishna was said to have been struck by the stray arrow of a Bhil tribal. The Present Temple, Kailash Mahameru Prasada is built in the chalukya style of temple architecture and reflects the inherent skill of Sompuras, Gujarat's master masons.

Chorwad Beach (Chorwad-Junagadh):

The Asiatic lion in India, is now in a pocket in the Gir National Park in the state of Gujarat. Efforts have been made to move a small number of these lions to another park to try to ensure the survival of this majestic animal better. However, these plans have not yet put into action.

The Asiatic lion grows to a height of 90 cm, with length ranging from 200 - 280cm. Tail long and hard to reach a length of 60 - 90 cm. Lions can weigh between 200 - 275kg. Their main prey consists of Nilgai, Chital, Sambhar, goats, buffaloes and other small animals sometimes. Gir lions have been used to kill cattle and even camels.

Asiatic lions are built similar to their cousins Afirca but are often smaller due to its small mane.


Lioness is the main predator and no lions

Their breeding season is synchronized with the arrival of winter in October and November. Its gestation period is 3 ½ months, ranging from 3-4 in the series. Lions breed on average every two years and are willing to have its first group of infants at the age of 30 to 36 months. They have a life expectancy of between 20 and 30.

Just like their African cousins, Asian Manes are too beautiful, which are absent in women. Asiatic lions are generally smaller than the Manes African cousins. Asian lions, however, be more thick outer sheath and also a longer tail of hair, Dolce and elbow joints. Coloring lion lion manes vary. Few of them are very dark, Manes, who according to a study conducted in Africa are the lions in favor!


Asiatic lions are smaller cousins of the African Manes

Lions live in a more pride. These can sometimes be proud of up to 3 adult males, but it's always one, which is the dominant leader. Males are known for their laziness and behavior domination. Females do all the hunting and men rarely join, when you catch a very big animal like an aggressive Buffalo. However, when the killing is done, the first people ever to go for a meal.

The association between a family of lions is extremely high, with aunts and sisters to assist in the implementation of providing all young people. Females remain with the pride for life, while men tend to establish their own wings at the age of three years. They live a lonely life, most of the time, then leave, but were also known to wander in the territory of two trios. These singles are known to be major threats to the dominant males lead his pride. They are also known to kill cubs to try to get females into heat again. These are mostly unmarried brothers who left a pride, but people have only been able to team up with other individuals.

The Asiatic lion has been declared the most endangered big cat in the world. Their number, between 250 to 300, all concentrated in the same region, they are under constant threat of being wiped out by a deadly epidemic. It is hoped that all the suppressors, regulators to settle their dispute over the best plan and take action before it is too late to save one of the most magnificent animals to walk the planet.

The forest was amazing .... looked so lively and it was hard to believe we were in one of the most drought-prone India. Almost immediately, the driver was pointing the way, and dust are the pieces that seemed tiger footprints "Great Lion", he said, raising his hands to the head to simulate hair.


I was very pleasantly surprised by Gir India. Having never been there before, I really did not know what to expect, but the stories of the "lions" had somehow stolen from Sasan Gir India is not glamorous. Until recently, these miniature circus, where lions have been fed and were followed by hordes of people, "the accents of a joke. The practice was abandoned some years.

We were 35 km from Sasan and returned with fatigue. As usual with big cats, so a Gir lion, eyes downcast, the lion waiting to see him, his body almost invisible dark dappled light. It was a magnificent and we watched with eyes downcast. I did not even try to get a shot at optimal conditions of light film language "almost sure that the photos of garbage. After a few seconds, the lion quickly extinguished, but when Dipti insisted he could feel a murder. Search the area on foot, under the watchful eye in case the lion is back, and then I found lying semi-Sambar blind and could hardly believe our luck. Lions in Gir India had often been filmed eating buffalo that were given a lion bait-day show, but for my part, I had never seen a natural death. In addition, men are rarely, if ever killed anything, much less a deer Sambar, usually leaving work for women. Part of the stomach and back had been eaten, and I thought that this lion is unlikely to return until four on the opening night. Having hacked a route for the jeep, then we can sit on the kill, we left.

I could hardly wait to return and yet we must be careful not to disturb the area by obtaining. Here too soon. Ultimately, with growing excitement, we settled in over the killing as planned and in a minute, the leaves rustled in the left and the lion came and sat down to fifteen feet of sambar. Again, within the forest, the light was terrible and I had to go back to my great Indian Gaur bison in a water point on the lens Palamau and then we had a display that will remain in our minds for years. Embarrassed by the flies to kill her, threw her hair and preserved, changing its position that the photograph is almost impossible. Then with a shrug of impatience, he went to the sambar and began to draw from it, forgetting the jeep and the camera noise. A minute later, for no apparent reason, he was gone.

We could not ask for better shots, and the days following the Lions have given us many different images. What we wanted was a pride and there were reports of five men who were lying together in the west end of the park, we went there one morning.