Gir National Park
The Last Refuge of the Asiatic Lion
In the teak forests of Gujarat, a regal predator walks the earth—silent, golden, and watching. This is the kingdom of the Asiatic lion, and Gir is its final stronghold.
Tucked into the dry deciduous woodlands of western India, Gir National Park is the only place on Earth where the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo leo) still roams free. Once ranging from the Middle East to northern India, these lions now survive solely in and around this protected landscape. Established in 1965, Gir spans over 1,400 square kilometers of rugged hills, open scrublands, and teak forests, offering a rare glimpse into a world where lions and humans coexist in a delicate balance.
The park’s conservation story is one of India’s greatest wildlife triumphs. From a perilous low of around 20 lions in the early 20th century, the population has rebounded dramatically. As of May 2025, Gujarat is home to an estimated 891 Asiatic lions, with 384 residing within Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and 507 found beyond its borders, including in sanctuaries like Girnar, Mitiyala, and Barda . This expansion reflects both the success of conservation efforts and the lions’ adaptability to new habitats.
Gir’s ecosystem is as diverse as it is vital. Beyond lions, the park shelters leopards, striped hyenas, golden jackals, and marsh crocodiles. Herbivores like chital, sambar, nilgai, and the four-horned antelope graze its grasslands, while over 300 bird species, including crested serpent eagles and Indian eagle-owls, fill the skies. The Kamleshwar Dam, often dubbed the “lifeline of Gir,” sustains both wildlife and human communities.
Visitors to Gir can embark on jeep safaris, guided by expert trackers who interpret the subtle signs of the forest. The Devaliya Safari Park offers a controlled environment for observing wildlife, ideal for those with limited time. Accommodations range from eco-lodges to luxury resorts, many of which support local communities and conservation initiatives.
For Rewild travelers, Gir National Park offers more than a safari—it’s a journey into a living conservation success story. Here, amidst the rustling teak leaves and the distant roar of lions, one witnesses the resilience of nature and the profound impact of dedicated preservation efforts.
