Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is counted among the finest wildlife sanctuaries of India. The only known home of the world-famous Asiatic Lions in Asia, Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Indian state of Gujarat. Spread over an area of approximately 1,412 sq km, Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary has been home to Asiatic Lions since 1884. Popularly known as Gir National Park, the sanctuary attracts thousands of wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. According to recent surveys, the number of Asiatic Lions in Sasangir National Park stands around 327 (May 2002).
The rugged topography and a moderate and favorable climate support a wide variety of flora and fauna in Sasan Gir National Park. The wildlife in Sasan Gir National Park is quite unique and diverse. The wildlife in Sasan Gir National Park comprises of over 32 species of mammals, 310 birds species, 24 reptiles species and over 2,000 species of insects.
Though, Sasangir is known for Asiatic Lions, the park also harbors a sizable population of Leopards (285 in May 2002), who are more visible here than in other wildlife sanctuaries of India. Other important and commonly noticed mammals in Sasangir are Spotted Deer or Chital (numbering about 30, 000), Antelopes, Striped Hyenas, Jackals, Nilgai, Sambar, Antelope, Chausingha or Four-Horned Antelope, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Ruddy Mongoose, Langurs, Jungle Cats, Indian Porcupine, Chinkara, Gazelles and Crocodiles to name a few.
Sasangir Park also supports and shelters a sizable number of bird population. Major birds found in the park include Peafowl, Peacocks, Parrots, Raptors, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Black Ibis, Paradise Flycatcher, Honey Buzzard, Redheaded Merlin, Bonelli's Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Painted Sandgrouse, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Spotted dove, Spotted Owlet, Flycatchers, Woodpeckers, Flamingo etc.
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