https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Girnar_Wildlife_SanctuaryGirnar Wildlife Sanctuary - Revision history2026-08-01T18:41:18ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Girnar_Wildlife_Sanctuary&diff=500595&oldid=prevManish at 00:52, 23 February 20262026-02-23T00:52:43Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Protected area in Gujarat, India}}<br />
{{Infobox protected area<br />
| name = Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary<br />
| iucn_category = IV<br />
| image = Girnar 1.jpg<br />
| map = India Gujarat#India<br />
| relief = 1<br />
| mapframe = Yes<br />
| mapframe-zoom = 9<br />
| location = Junagadh district, Gujarat, India<br />
| nearest_city = Junagadh<br />
| governing_body = Gujarat Forest Department<br />
| established = 2008<br />
| area = 178.8 km²<br />
| website = <br />
| elevation = <br />
| coordinates = {{coord|21|25|N|70|30|E|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary''' is a protected area located in the [[Junagadh district]] of [[Gujarat]], India. Nestled within the [[Girnar hills]], it serves as a crucial habitat for several endangered species, most notably the [[Asiatic lion]]. The sanctuary was officially declared a protected area in 2008 to preserve its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-01-28 |title=New lion safari route started in Girnar wildlife sanctuary |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/new-lion-safari-route-started-in-girnar-wildlife-sanctuary/articleshow/80485473.cms |access-date=2025-01-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sirur |first=Simrin |date=2021-04-25 |title=From bare hills to thriving home for Asiatic Lion — how Girnar scripted a green makeover |url=https://theprint.in/india/from-bare-hills-to-thriving-home-for-asiatic-lion-how-girnar-scripted-a-green-makeover/643470/ |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-28 |title=Gujarat: Lion safaris begin at Girnar sanctuary |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-lion-safaris-begin-at-girnar-sanctuary-7164408/ |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><br />
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== Biodiversity ==<br />
The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Key species include:<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-16 |title='Gir sanctuary in Gujarat sees stable spotted deer, sambar count' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/gir-sanctuary-in-gujarat-sees-stable-spotted-deer-sambar-count/articleshow/104453233.cms |access-date=2025-01-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><br />
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* [[Asiatic lion]]<br />
* [[Leopard]]<br />
* [[Sambar deer]]<br />
* [[Spotted deer]]<br />
* [[Nilgai]] (blue bull)<br />
* [[Wild boar]]<br />
* Various species of birds<br />
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== History ==<br />
The Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary has historical significance as it was once a hunting reserve of the Junagadh State during the rule of the Babi Nawabs. Recognizing its ecological importance, the area was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-25 |title=From 94% in 2000 to 83% in 2020: CEPT varsity study highlights decline in vegetation in Gujarat's Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary over 2 decades |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/from-94-in-2000-to-83-in-2020-cept-varsity-study-highlights-decline-in-vegetation-in-gujarats-girnar-wildlife-sanctuary-over-2-decades-9688463/ |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gujarat: Group of lions walk into Junagarh city, sent back to Gir Sanctuary |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/gujarat-group-of-lions-walk-into-junagarh-city-sent-back-to-gir-sanctuary20190914155340/ |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref><br />
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== Accessibility ==<br />
The sanctuary is easily accessible from nearby cities:<br />
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* '''By Bus''': Regular buses connect Junagadh to major cities in Gujarat. Local buses and taxis operate from Junagadh to the sanctuary.<br />
* '''By Train''': [[Junagadh Junction railway station]] is the nearest railhead, with connections to cities like [[Ahmedabad]], [[Rajkot]], and [[Surat]].<br />
* '''By Taxi''': Taxis can be hired from Junagadh or nearby cities for convenience.<br />
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== Best time to visit ==<br />
The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter months, from November to March. The sanctuary remains closed from mid-June to mid-October due to the monsoon season.<br />
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== Conservation efforts ==<br />
Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary plays a pivotal role in the conservation of the Asiatic lion. Safari rides are available for visitors to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. The sanctuary's efforts are part of a broader initiative to protect Gujarat's unique biodiversity.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ram |first1=Mohan |last2=Sahu |first2=Aradhana |last3=Srivastava |first3=Nityanand |last4=Jhala |first4=Lahar |last5=Zala |first5=Yashpal |last6=Venkataraman |first6=Meena |date=2025-01-01 |title=Successful satellite population management: Girnar wildlife sanctuary as a habitat for Asiatic lions |journal=Global Ecology and Conservation |volume=57 |article-number=e03384 |doi=10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03384 |bibcode=2025GEcoC..5703384R |issn=2351-9894|doi-access=free }}</ref><br />
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== See also ==<br />
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* [[Gir National Park]]<br />
* [[Wildlife sanctuaries of India]]<br />
* [[Protected areas of India]]<br />
* [[Uparkot Fort]]<br />
* [[Damodar Kund]]<br />
* [[Mahabat Maqbara]]<br />
* [[Jain temples, Girnar|Jain Temples on Girnar Hill]]<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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== External links ==<br />
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* [https://www.gujarattourism.com Official Gujarat Tourism Website]</div>Manish