Gir National Park

Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir, is a forest and wildlife sanctuary near Talala Gir in Gujarat, India. It is located 43 km (27 mi) north-east of Somnath, 65 km (40 mi) south-east of Junagadh and 60 km (37 mi) south-west of Amreli. It was established in 1965, with a total area of 1,412 km2 (545 sq mi), of which 258 km2 (100 sq mi) is fully protected as national park and 1,153 km2 (445 sq mi) as wildlife sanctuary. It is part of the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.

Located in the western part of Gujarat, Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary is the only place outside Africa where lions are living. Spread across 1412sq.km the park is a blend of dry deciduous forest and savannah forest. The perennial and seasonal rivers flowing in the park along with other water bodies have created an amiable environment for marsh crocodiles, reptiles, and birds. Currently, the park is swelling up with lion & leopard population making it an outstanding place for feline lovers. Besides wildcats, many rare species such as Jackal, Striped Hyena, Langur, Porcupine, Black-naped Hare are also found in abundance.

Gir has about 400 lions and 300 leopards, making it as one of the major 'big cat' concentrations in India. Deer such Sambar & Chital, Antelopes such as Blue Bull, Four-horned antelope, Indian gazelle and Wild Boar are in abundance in Gir. Jackal, Striped Hyena, Jungle and Rusty-spotted cat, Langur, Porcupine, Black-naped Hare are among the other mammals of Gir. Gir has a large population of marsh crocodile, which is among the 40 species of reptiles and amphibians recorded in the sanctuary.