Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in News?
The Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is recently in the news due to a fresh demand from a committee of monks to scrap its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) status. This sanctuary is a vital satellite habitat for Asiatic lions, and any change in its protection status is a subject of intense debate between conservationists and local religious leaders.
Location and Geography
- District: Located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, India.
- Terrain: It covers the rugged and hilly terrain of the Girnar hills in the Saurashtra region.
- Size: Spans approximately 178.8 square kilometers.
History and Status
- Hunting Reserve: Historically, it served as a hunting reserve for the Nawabs of Junagadh.
- Establishment: It was officially notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2008 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Eco-Sensitive Zone: The periphery was designated as an ESZ in 2016 to create a "buffer" between the core forest and human settlements.
Flora and Fauna
- The Big Cats: It is a critical habitat for Asiatic lions and leopards. It acts as a "stepping stone" for lions dispersing from the core Gir National Park.
- Vegetation: Primarily dry deciduous forest and thorny scrubland, featuring teak, acacia, and dhak trees.
- Birdlife: Home to over 300 bird species, including endangered vultures like the long-billed and white-rumped vultures.
- Other Wildlife: Includes spotted deer (Chital), Sambar, Nilgai, Indian golden jackals, and four-horned antelopes.
Religious and Cultural Significance
- Temples: The Girnar hills are home to the Amba Mata Temple, the Dattatreya Shrine, and several ancient Jain temples (Tirthankaras).
- Pilgrimage: Every year, the sanctuary hosts the Girnar Parikrama and the Maha Shivratri Mela, which draw millions of devotees. The sanctuary and safari remain closed to tourists during these periods to manage the crowds.
Girnar Sanctuary vs. Gir National Park
| Feature |
Gir National Park (Sasan Gir) |
Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Primary Landscape |
Dense deciduous forest |
Hilly, rugged mountain terrain |
| Lion Status |
Core "Source" Population |
"Satellite/Stepping Stone" Population |
| Religious Sites |
Minimal (Kankai/Aneidhar) |
High (Major Jain/Hindu temples) |
| Safari Type |
Extensive jeep tracks |
Hilly terrain tracks (limited) |
Download Pdf
