By our correspondent, Junagadh, 28 May 2013

World famous Sasan Gir sanctuary will be closed for visitors from 16th of June for four months. However visitors will be allowed to visit adjoining Devalia safari park during this period.

Every year, during the four months of monsoon, Gir sanctuary is closed for visitors to allow undisturbed mating season activity among lions in jungle. Muddy roads, increasing activity of reptiles, growth in insects during monsoon are another reasons to shut down the sanctuary area for visitors.

According to forest officials, Gir jungle has 162 lionesses. Of them 50-55 will involve in mating activity. Around 35 of them are likely to give birth to cubs.

There are 97 lions in Gir jungle. Of them around 80 are capable for mating. Thus there are 40 pairs of capable lions. Lions in each pair fight with each other to win lioness for mating. This fight goes on for hours and hours sometime. The winning lion get right of mating with lioness.

Not only lions, but other animals including the birds and reptiles will also do mating during this season. Even many types of trees grow during monsoon period.