GUJARAT NETIONAL PARK
{1} Gir National Park
{2} Marine National Park
{3} Vansda National Park
{4} Black National Park
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary
The Gir - the largest compact tract of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India is the last abode of the big and regal predator Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), an endangered species. The sanctuary is internationally acclaimed for successfully saving this precious species from the brink of extinction. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965. Subsequently, an area of 258.71 sq. km. was declared a National Park.
Gir lies has a topography made up of succession of rugged ridges, isolated hills, plateaus and valleys. Besides, being the last abode of Asiatic lions, Gir forms a unique habitat for ratel, rusty spotted cat, pangolin, ruddy mongoose, civets, paradise flycatcher etc.
Location
The Sanctuary spreads over Junagadh and Amreli districts of Saurashtra. The main centre "Sasan" is located in Talala taluka of Junagadh district at about 60 km. from Junagadh.
National Park area
258.71 sq. Km.(Core Area)
Sanctuary area
1153.42 sq. Km
The overwhelming presence of the omnipotent big cat diverts the attention of the common man from the remarkable bird population that the sanctuary has. However, the birds of Gir sanctuary did attract the great ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali who believed that, had the Asiatic lions not been there, the area would have been one of the most fascinating bird sanctuaries of the country.
People mostly link Gir with "Maldharis" who have survived through the ages by having symbiotic relationship with the lion. They are religious pastoral communities living in Gir. Their settlements are called "nesses".
At present, Gir forests of Gujarat (India) is the only natural place where this race of lions i.e. Asiatic lion is found.
Unlike the other big cats, lion is tolerant of the presence of human being and it even lives near the human settlements. During the last century in British rule, lion population touched an all time low of 20 in 1913. The serious conservation efforts by the then Nawab of Junagadh saved the species from the brink of extinction. The subsequent efforts by the Forest Department have successfully brought the population to the present respectable status of 327 numbers of this majestic animal.
Flora
Teak, dudhlo, khair, ber, desi baval, dhav, hermo, sadad, timru, ashitro, saledi, modad, khakhro etc.
Fauna
The Gir forests support a rich biodiversity comprising 32 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and 26 species of reptiles and thousands of species of insects.
Important animals
Lion, leopard, hyena, chital, sambar, bulbul, chaushinga, chinkara, wild boar, crocodile, langur, porcupine, ratel, jackal, fox, mongoose, civets etc.
Important birds
Malabar whistling thrush, orange headed ground thrush, paradise flycatcher, black naped fly catcher, Indian pitta, tawny eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, king vulture, crested hawk eagle, painted storks, pelicans, peafowl etc.
The Asiatic lion, the most majestic big cat, is a unique gift of nature. It is an extremely intelligent animal with remarkable social habits and hunting techniques.
Gir lies has a topography made up of succession of rugged ridges, isolated hills, plateaus and valleys. Besides, being the last abode of Asiatic lions, Gir forms a unique habitat for ratel, rusty spotted cat, pangolin, ruddy mongoose, civets, paradise flycatcher etc.
Location
The Sanctuary spreads over Junagadh and Amreli districts of Saurashtra. The main centre "Sasan" is located in Talala taluka of Junagadh district at about 60 km. from Junagadh.
National Park area
258.71 sq. Km.(Core Area)
Sanctuary area
1153.42 sq. Km
The overwhelming presence of the omnipotent big cat diverts the attention of the common man from the remarkable bird population that the sanctuary has. However, the birds of Gir sanctuary did attract the great ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali who believed that, had the Asiatic lions not been there, the area would have been one of the most fascinating bird sanctuaries of the country.
People mostly link Gir with "Maldharis" who have survived through the ages by having symbiotic relationship with the lion. They are religious pastoral communities living in Gir. Their settlements are called "nesses".
At present, Gir forests of Gujarat (India) is the only natural place where this race of lions i.e. Asiatic lion is found.
Unlike the other big cats, lion is tolerant of the presence of human being and it even lives near the human settlements. During the last century in British rule, lion population touched an all time low of 20 in 1913. The serious conservation efforts by the then Nawab of Junagadh saved the species from the brink of extinction. The subsequent efforts by the Forest Department have successfully brought the population to the present respectable status of 327 numbers of this majestic animal.
Flora
Teak, dudhlo, khair, ber, desi baval, dhav, hermo, sadad, timru, ashitro, saledi, modad, khakhro etc.
Fauna
The Gir forests support a rich biodiversity comprising 32 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and 26 species of reptiles and thousands of species of insects.
Important animals
Lion, leopard, hyena, chital, sambar, bulbul, chaushinga, chinkara, wild boar, crocodile, langur, porcupine, ratel, jackal, fox, mongoose, civets etc.
Important birds
Malabar whistling thrush, orange headed ground thrush, paradise flycatcher, black naped fly catcher, Indian pitta, tawny eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, king vulture, crested hawk eagle, painted storks, pelicans, peafowl etc.
The Asiatic lion, the most majestic big cat, is a unique gift of nature. It is an extremely intelligent animal with remarkable social habits and hunting techniques.
Marine National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary
Marine National Park and Sanctuary, Jamnagar, was declared as National Park and Sanctuary in August' 1980. | ||||||
Marine National Park and Sanctuary falls in the inter-tidal zone along the Jamnagar coasts and islands in the Gulf of Kachchh. Blessed with a great diversity of habitats, its coral reefs and mangroves and the series of 42 islands form a unique, though fragile, eco-system, which supports an amazing marine life and
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Vansda National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary
The thick foliage of the luxuriant moist deciduous forest, predominantly represented by lofty teak trees and their usual floral associates are the chief attributes of Vansda National Park, which was declared as protected area in April 1979. The sanctuary has abundance of reptiles like python, venomous snakes like Russel’s viper, cobras and kraits. The croaking, chirping, and humming of a variety of insects create a silent symphony of melodious sounds of nature.
The National Park is a small area of 23.99 sq. km. falling in the Vansda taluka of Valsad district of South Gujarat. The terrain is flat to undulating and is drained by the beautiful river Ambika, which eventually meets the sea near Navsari. As the forest forms continuous tract with the forest of adjoining district of Dangs, the sanctuary is managed by South Dangs Forest Division. The forest belongs to the category of tropical moist deciduous forests and the terrain represents northern and western limits of the Western Ghats.
The Vansda National park consists of a spectacular forest where one can see the birds of moist deciduous forest. It forms a contiguous tract with the forests of Dangs on its eastern side and those of Valsad district on its southern side. A visit to the nearby Waghai botanical garden and the nature education trail from the botanical garden up to the National Park would be a delightful experience for the nature lovers.
The National Park is a small area of 23.99 sq. km. falling in the Vansda taluka of Valsad district of South Gujarat. The terrain is flat to undulating and is drained by the beautiful river Ambika, which eventually meets the sea near Navsari. As the forest forms continuous tract with the forest of adjoining district of Dangs, the sanctuary is managed by South Dangs Forest Division. The forest belongs to the category of tropical moist deciduous forests and the terrain represents northern and western limits of the Western Ghats.
The Vansda National park consists of a spectacular forest where one can see the birds of moist deciduous forest. It forms a contiguous tract with the forests of Dangs on its eastern side and those of Valsad district on its southern side. A visit to the nearby Waghai botanical garden and the nature education trail from the botanical garden up to the National Park would be a delightful experience for the nature lovers.
FloraTowering trees and orchids form variety of flora. There are 443 species of flowering plants viz. Teak, sadad, bamboo, dudhkod, kakad, khakhro, timru, humb, kalam, modad, haldu, sisam, chopadi bondaro, kusum, tanach, asan, mahudo, behda, umaro, shimlo, ambla etc.FounaHigh species diversity of forest birds is the main attraction for an eco-tourist. Important animals- Leopard, rhesus macaque, wild boar, hanuman langur, common palm civet, small Indian civet, Indian porcupine, four-horned antelope, barking deer, hyena, jungle cat, flying squirrel, python, Russel’s viper, etc.Important birds155 species of birds: Indian great black woodpecker, yellow back sunbird, pompodour pigeon, malabar trogon, shama, common grey hornbill, jungle babbler, forest spotted owlet (globally threatened) etc.
Contact |
Blackbuck National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary
Location |
Near Vallabhipur, District Bhavnagar. |
Sanctuary area |
34.52 sq. km. |
The majestic blackbucks are less shy of human being here and one has a sure chance of watching them in their natural mood, leaping high in air, running, feeding drinking, rutting and chasing. The herds of blackbucks are of different gender combinations like mixed, all males and all females. The courtship process in blackbucks is quite similar to what used to be called "swayamvara" in good old days. The males have to fight with other males to win over the females. This fight, which is a common sight at Velavadar during the mating season, may even be a fight to finish leading to the death of the weaker. | |||||||||||
A small wetland in the southern part of the Park attracts birds like pelicans, flamingoes, ducks, waders, coots, white storks, painted storks and sarus cranes etc. The Park is a heaven for demoiselle cranes, common cranes and a variety of raptors including certag spotted eagles and steppe eagles. | |||||||||||
The Park provides one of the world's best roosting sites to thousands of Harriers that arrive here from Central Europe for wintering. Peculiar courtship display by Lesser floricans could also be seen. Lesser florican is one of the fifty rarest birds of the world and the park has been supporting the breeding of quite a good number of this species. | |||||||||||
An entirely different experience of the wildlife begins to transcend as the darkness falls. The persistent howls of jackal add to the feeling of true wilderness. The long, deep and threatening howls of wolves, occasionally penetrate the darkness . | |||||||||||
The grassland lies between two rivers namely Parvalia and Alang, which drain into the Gulf of Cambay. During the monsoon the area is often flooded. The blackbuck herds are mostly to be found in the northern part of the sanctuary, while the southern part has patches of thorn forest providing excellent opportunities for bird watching (specially birds of prey). The Alang river forms the southern border of the Park and is the favourite retreat for wolves. The park can be toured by vehicle and also on foot. | |||||||||||
The animal attains adulthood at the age of two and a half to three years. The female gives birth to only a single offspring at a time.
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