Importance of Lions

⧪    Ecological importance

⇛  The largest compact tract of dry deciduous forest in the country, protected as Gir National Park and Sanctuary, covers an area of 1412 sq km in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

Gir has  a very stable ecosystem, self-supporting and self-sustaining capacity due to its richness of biodiversity:

 ⇛  A breeding ground for migratory birds, the avifauna of Gir includes a variety of raptors and many other significant species, including Lesser Florican, Osprey, Indian Pitta, Red-headed Vulture, etc. 

⇛   606 different plant species, 39 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles and over 300 species of birds and more than 2,000 species of insects.

⇛  It also supports a variety of reptiles, including the Indian python and the Indian star tortoise, and possibly one of the highest populations of Marsh crocodile in the country.

⇛  Gir also has one of the densest concentrations of leopards in India.

Gir is essential to life in Gujarat.  It helps in the smooth running of several ecological activities.

Gir is important to made atmosphere stable  and clean..

Important rivers like Shetrunji, Hiran, Saraswati, Shingoda, Machhundri, Raval and Datardi. 

The forest helps recharge the water table due to infiltration and percolation in conjunction with soil and moisture conservation. 

Thus, Gir is a boon to farmers inhabiting the peripheral environs; it ensures sustained agricultural and horticultural production.

Not to mention, the forest has great potential to be a centre for creating environmental awareness and imparting nature education. 

The real feather in Gir’s hat, though, is the presence of the Asiatic lion. 

The attraction of these  species coupled with the aesthetic beauty of the area to the Somnath temple, has made Gir a popular tourist destination.