Gir National Park, also called Sasan Gir, is the only natural home of the Asiatic Lion,
known as Panthera leo persica. It became a protected area in 1965. The total area is about
1,412 sq km, and the main park area is around 258 sq km. This place is very important for
saving lions and other animals.
Sasan Gir has many types of plants and animals. There are more than 600 species. It has 41
types of mammals, like leopards, chital (spotted deer), sambar, and nilgai. You can also see
more than 300 kinds of birds, so it is a good place for bird lovers.
The land here has small hills, dry forests, and open grasslands. Seven rivers flow in this
area, including the Hiran, Saraswati, and Shingoda. These rivers give water all year, so
animals can live here even in the hot months.