The
Gir Forest- Their Abode:
The Gir Forest, the last home of the Asiatic lion is itself a relict,
being the only patch of extensive forest in the Saurashtra Peninsula. As
the only forest of any extent in Saurashtra, it is of considerable
importance not only as the home of the lion but also for its effects on
the climate and water table of the surrounding districts.
The Gir Forest, to which the Indian lion had finally retired by the
turn of the century, was situated in the princely state of Junagadh
before Indian became independent. Without any doubt the continued
survival of lions is due to the protection given to them by the Nawabs
of Junagadh. At the end of the 19th century, poaching and uncontrolled
shooting had brought the lions to the verge of extinction and it was
believed that not more than 20 existed. The Nawab's government then
placed a strict ban on shooting which was enforced rigidly.
The lion was for a period of time the national animal of India and
still continues to be a national animal from its presence on the
nation's crest, the lions of Ashoka.
