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Covering 1883 sq. kms, the Gir forest and ecosystem in Gujarat, is commonly described as the last home of the Asiatic lion, panthera leo persica.

An area of 1421 sq. km is designated ‘Protected area’ (PA). Of this 259 sq. km is the well known Gir National park area, the Lion sanctuary area is 1153 sq. km and finally another 470 sq. km constitutes a buffer zone of protected and unclassed forest.

The Gir ecosystem is home to 32 species of mammals, around 300 species of birds, 26 species of reptiles and many thousands of insect species. The carnivores are the Asiatic lion, leopard, jungle cat, hyena, and jackal. Herbivores are Nilgai, Chital, Sambar, Antelope, Chinkara, Wild Boar and some Black buck. In reptiles apart from a large species of snakes Gir has a high population of Marsh crocodiles.

In order to reduce the burden and disturbance of tourism in the park and sanctuary area and to educate visitors on the flora and fauna; an interpretation zone has been set up at Devalia in the Gir park area. This is a small information centre and a 412 hectare of chain linked fenced area, within which it is possible to view the forest and various animals within a much shorter time and distance.

The wild life population has increased due to successful conservation programs. However the benefits of this have been largely nullified by the loss of natural habitat of the wild animals. Thus lions and leopards straying into human inhabited areas are a fairly common occurrence now. Surprisingly in 1995 a pride of lions crossed over onto the island of Diu. The forest department, with difficulty trapped them and released them back in the forest. Again in 2003 a leopard strayed into Diu and played havoc with the livestock and farmers. It took the forest rangers almost three months before they could catch and return the leopard to the Gir forest.[see photo].

It is evident that the state has fallen short whilst ensuring protection to this last abode of the Asian lion and other flora and fauna of the ecosystem. A visit to the Gir forest and surroundings sadly shows the growing conflict between Man and the Wild. Uncontrolled temple activity within the sensitive zones of the forest poses serious problems for the forest department. Human settlement growth and industries within and along the periphery of the forest; are serious threats to the wildlife and their future. Last year, for the first time a gang of poachers, allegedly from Madhya Pradesh, were caught within the Gir sanctuary. It will take a lot more political will, hard decisions; along with better quality trained, equipped and facilitated forest services to ensure the future of the lion and Gir ecosystem.

April 24th 2010, and lasting about 4 days, there is a lion census to be held at the Gir lion sanctuary. And it is hoped that the lion count crosses 400. Up from 359 recorded, in the last census, in 2005.