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How To Spot Asiatic Lions In Gir National Park

Gir National Park

Asiatic Lions

Lion Spotting Tips

• Author : Adeeb Sahil
• Date : December 13, 2024

Did you know that Gir National Park is home to 38 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, around 2,000 kinds of insects, leopards, deer, and many reptiles? However, the most famous animal that lives in this national park is the Asiatic lion. These lions are also known as Panthera Leo Persica. This park has a dry forest with thorny bushes and open grassy areas that make it an ideal place for this lion species. The Asiatic Lion is a really rare animal that was once close to disappearing forever. But now these lions can be spotted by going on a thrilling Gir lion safari. Doing this safari will be the best choice for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. In this blog, we will tell you how to spot Asian lions in this national park.

Understanding Asiatic Lions

The population of Asiatic lions has shown a steady increase since the time they became endangered. There are around 674 Asiatic Lions in this national park, as of 2020, according to a survey with a territory size of around 1412 square kilometers (approx.). This species of lion is a little smaller than the African lions but still, they are very strong animals.

They have lighter-colored fur, a fold of skin which is along their belly, and shorter manes which is why their ears are visible as compared to the bigger African lions. African lions reside in the open grasslands, while Asiatic lions inhabit the dry forests of Gir National Park. Asiatic lions are harder to see compared to African lions because they live in thick bushes which allows them to hide properly and rest also.

Best Time For Seeing Asiatic Lion In Gir

Tourists from all around the world come to Gir to see this majestic creature and it is a great time to visit this park during the months of December to March as it is the dry season at that place. During this period of time, the temperature is around 10 to 25 degrees Celsius with low humidity, less dense vegetation, clear visibility, and minimal rainfall. Because of this temperature, it is the most recommended time of the year for the sightings of Asiatic lions.

This national park follows a fixed schedule and safaris are available in the early mornings and the late afternoon which are the best times to see these lions because they are more active in the cooler part of the day. Just make sure to book your safari in advance as the slots of safaris get booked very quickly during the peak seasons.

Preparing For Your Safari Adventure

Available Safari Option

Did you know that, in this national park, the rate of successful Asiatic lion sightings is around 70 to 80 percent? To view these lions, it is very important to prepare in advance for your Gir lion safari. Gir Park has a main safari option available for tourists which is Gypsy safari. Gypsy Safari is one of the best ways to see lions and other wild animals and is a very safe and exciting adventure. In this safari, a guide travels with you and explains about the nature and wild animals that you see. On this safari, you will also be able to see other wild animals like leopards, wild boars, and a variety of birds along with the famous Asiatic lion.

Essential Items To Pack

• Bring a good pair of binoculars to watch the wild animals from a safe distance.
• Bring with you a strong and sturdy camera with a zooming lens to capture the pictures of these wild animals.
• Remember to pack sunscreen for protection of your skin from the sunlight.
• Also, pack insect repellent to protect yourself from the insects in the natural park.
• Pack comfortable clothes in neutral colors like khaki or green to blend well with the environment.
• Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your safari trip.

Staying Safe And Respecting Wildlife

• Always remember to keep a safe distance from these wild animals.
• Do not make loud noises.
• Try to avoid sudden movements.
• Do not disturb the wild animals or other visitors during the safari.
• Remember that you are visiting these animal’s natural homes so be respectful.

Tips For Spotting Asiatic Lions

• Asiatic lions are mostly active during the early mornings or late afternoons and they usually rest in the shaded areas to stay cool so these are the best time for spotting them.
• Go on safaris with guides as they know the locations where these lions rest and when they go hunting. Guides can increase your chances of seeing the Asiatic lions.
• Remember to be calm and patient because lions do not move much during the day so you may need to wait for some time for their sightings.
• Try to look for the signs of Asiatic lions by checking for the marks of their paws on the ground or listen to deer or monkeys making an alarm call.
• Remember to use the binoculars to see the Asiatic lions from a safe distance as getting too close to them can prove dangerous.
• Try to stay quiet as loud noises can scare these animals away, however, silence will allow you to hear the natural sounds of the forest.
• Wear nature-colored clothes because clothes with bright colors can scare wild animals.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have shared a simple guide to how to spot the Asiatic lions in this park. Gir National Park is an amazing place where you can see the great Asiatic lions in their natural homes. Seeing these creatures in the wild is a magical experience that every wildlife enthusiast should have. The visit of each tourist will support the effort to protect this lion species. It is very important to plan your trip carefully, travel responsibly, and enjoy every moment in this special place. And if you want to get the best deals on Gir online booking for safari and hotels then you can visit our website. We provide great packages that are specially tailored to your individual needs.