This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.
Gir National Park
BetaAlso known as Sasan Gir
The only wild home of the Asiatic lion, a semi-arid dry forest in the Saurashtra peninsula.
Why this place matters
The only wild range of the Asiatic lion and a distinctive semi-arid dry forest ecosystem in western India, balancing lion conservation with long-standing pastoral and agricultural land use.
The wildlife
Asiatic LionENEndangeredThe world's only wild population, occupying dry deciduous and scrub forest of Gir and the surrounding landscape.
LeopardNTNear ThreatenedA high-density leopard population sharing habitat with the lions.
Striped HyenaNTNear ThreatenedA key scavenger of the semi-arid ecosystem.
NilgaiLCLeast ConcernA common large antelope of open woodland and scrub.
SambarVUVulnerableA large deer of denser woodland and riparian patches.
The wider field list, with current IUCN Red List status.
Mammals
- Asiatic lionPanthera leo leoENEndangered
Four-horned antelopeTetracerus quadricornisVUVulnerable- Sambar deerRusa unicolorVUVulnerable
Chital (spotted deer)Axis axisLCLeast Concern
Golden jackalCanis aureusLCLeast Concern- Indian leopardPanthera pardus fuscaNTNear Threatened
- NilgaiBoselaphus tragocamelusLCLeast Concern
- Striped hyenaHyaena hyaenaNTNear Threatened
Birds
Crested serpent eagleSpilornis cheelaLCLeast Concern
Owl
Painted sandgrousePterocles indicusLCLeast Concern
Raptor
Reptiles
Mugger crocodileCrocodylus palustrisVUVulnerable
Bengal monitorVaranus bengalensisNTNear Threatened
Indian rock pythonPython molurusNTNear Threatened
Notable birds include Indian Eagle-Owl, Painted Sandgrouse, Bonelli's Eagle and Crested Serpent Eagle. Reptiles include Mugger, Monitor Lizard and Indian Rock Python.
Plan your visit
Cool winter months offer comfortable lion tracking and good general wildlife viewing; in the late dry season, lions and other mammals frequent the remaining water sources.
- Zones
- Sasan and Dedakadi tourism ranges (Gir Jungle Trail)
- Safari
- jeep
- Typical sightings
- Asiatic lions on tracks and in scrub, leopards and striped hyenas, chital and nilgai herds, crocodiles at water bodies.
- Light and terrain
- Semi-open woodland and rocky clearings offer warm, contrasty light; dust and haze can affect long views in the late dry season.
- Hides
- No public hides; viewing is from open Gypsy vehicles on designated routes.
- Good to know
- Online permits required; limited vehicles per time slot; jungle trail safaris closed 16 Jun to 15 Oct each year; camera fees apply as per the current Forest Department schedule.