Junagadh, 17 June 2013

Gujarat’s Gir sanctuary witnessed 21% rise in number of visitors during October 2012 – June 2013 season. The sanctuary is closed for visitors since 15 June. It will reopen on October 15th.

According to DCF Dr. Sandip Kumar, the October-June season witnessed 21% increase in number of visitors, 28% rise in arrival of foreign tourists, and 19% rise in revenue.

He said total 4,16,000 tourists arrived in this season. The revenue of sanctuary was Rs 5.1 crore in this season.

According to year 2010 census, there are 411 lions in Gir jungle, boundaries of which touches Junagadh, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts of Gujarat.

Though Gir sanctuary area is closed for visitors from 16th of June for four months, the visitors are 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.

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 fully grown 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.

The jungle has at present 77 younger lions. 23 of them are male while 23 female. Sex of 29 cubs is yet to be determined.

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.