The state Forest Department has announced that the Gir National park located in western Gujarat would be closed for the next four months tomorrow (June 16).
The national park is home to many birds and herbivores as well.
The Gir National Park is the only place in the world where you can spot Asiatic Lions roaming free in the wild and the only place in India where they can be spotted as well.
The park is spread over an area of 1412 square kilometres. The park is home to many other species of fauna besides lions.
There are leopards, hyenas, many species of deer such as Chittal and Sambhar and also birds such as the Malabar Whistling Thrush, Orange headed ground thrush, paradise flycatcher and the Indian Pitta.
The Gujarat Forest Department organises regulated Safaris into the park where visitors can catch a glimpse of Lions and other animals.
According to a report, nearly 5 lakh people visited the national park over the last eight months.
These Safaris will now remain closed from June 16 to October 15.
Deputy conservator of forest, Gir sanctuary, Mohan Ram said “The Gir jungle trail will remain closed as per the protected area management plan. There are 338 species of birds residing inside this protected area.”
According to Ram, there is a problem of road accessibility during monsoon inside the forest area. The monsoons are also breeding season for many species of birds and animals.
However, Devaliya Safari Park will remain open for tourists.
