GIR DARPAN

Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir

Wildlife Circle, Junagadh, Gujarat (INDIA)
 GIR DARPAN
Prepared by
Dr. Mohan Ram, IFS
Deputy Conservator of Forests,
Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir

Under the guidance of

Shri D.T. Vasavada, IFS
Chief Conservator of Forests,
Wildlife Circle, Junagadh

© Wildlife Division, Sasan Gir, Junagadh, Gujarat

Images:
Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir

Suggsted citation:
Ram M., Patel H., 2020. Gir Darpan.
Wildlife Division Sasan-Gir 2020-2021
A. Training and Capacity Building public relation, landscape ecology, land-use and

T raining and capacity building is an important

and integral part of any management and
conservation-related activities. Protected Areas
planning and management is a technical aspect,
bringing together the theory of quite diverse
disciplines: ecology, forestry, agroforestry,
geography, wildlife management, education,
l a n d c o v e r p l a n n i n g , h y d r o l o g y, e s t a t e
management, eco tourism, social science,
economics, personal management, and general
management. It has become increasingly apparent
that the development of these abilities requires
specialized training programs. The training can be
a formal course or study tour or on the job training.

6000
5149
5000 4697 4802
Number of Participants

4000 3719 3550

2922
3000

2000 1492 1579

1000

0
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
Year
Figure 1: Total number of participants in training programs from 2012-13 to 2019-20.

1
I. Rescue and Rehabilitation Training operations and rehabilitation. Wildlife Division,
Although, the people of Saurashtra, are Sasan-Gir conducts training programs for the
cooperative and believes in co-existence frontline staff and rescue teams on rescue and
concerning human and wildlife. However, looking rehabilitation works twice a year.
at the con lict levels in the Asiatic Lion Landscape,

the human-wildlife con lict remains one of the

major challenges about the management of
wildlife in the entire landscape. Looking at the
changing scenario of wildlife management and
con lict levels, it is important to increase the
capacity building of the frontline staff such as
Trackers, Beat Guards, Foresters, Range Forest
Of icers, and Assistant Conservator of Forests.
Fro n t l i n e s t a ff a re t h e b a c kb o n e o f t h e
management and play a signi icant role on the
ground. Well trained rescue teams have been setup
in the Asiatic Lion Landscape with the amenities
and equipment required for the wildlife rescue

3
II. Radio Telemetry & Monitoring front line staff who participated in the training
The training was carried out for the front line staff program included ACFs, RFOs, Foresters, Beat
regarding the Radio-telemetry monitoring of Guards, and Trackers. This training was conducted
Asiatic Lions in the Asiatic Lion Landscape. The b y e x p e r t s f r o m Ve c t r o n i c s A e r o s p a c e ,
Germany, and New Delhi.
Moreover, one more training
on the handling of radio-
collars and downloading and
sa fe storing of da t a wa s
conducted for three days for
the participants including
ACFs, RFOs, Computer
Operators, and IT Engineers in
the Asiatic Lion Landscape.

5
III. Eco-guide Training
Eco-guides are trained to develop desired skills for
imparting adequate information to eco-tourists
for forestry, wildlife, and its conservation, and the
natural world around the individuals. Regular
training programs are organized for the eco-
guides to impart the skills to provide the
information to the eco-tourists. Such training
programs include training on communication
skills, soft skills, languages, recent trends in the
forestry, wildlife and its conservation in the Gir,
rules, and regulations in the Gir, etc.
th th
From 5 October to 9 October 2019, eco-guide
training was successfully carried out for 178 eco-
guides in Gir. The training was carried out by
resource persons such as Dr. Asad Rahmani,
Former Director, Bombay Natural History Society
(BNHS), Mr. Devesh Gadhavi, Deputy Director,
Corbett Foundation, Kutchh, Mr. Pranav Vaghasia,
Conservationist and Reptile Enthusiast, Dr. Indra
R. Gadhvi, Professor & Head, Marine Science
Department , M.K. Bhavnagar University,
Bhavnagar, Professor Parvish Pandya, and Ms.
Zeenal Vajrinkar.
7
IV. Vanya Prani Mitra Training
A scheme for engaging local youth as Vanya Prani
Mitra has been initiated from the year 2007-08 in
300 villages of the Asiatic Lion Landscape. The
Vanya Prani Mitras gather information regarding
the movement of wildlife in villages, helps in
rescue operations, keeps vigil on wildlife-related
crime in the peripheral areas, and helps the forest
department in any con lict situation in the Asiatic
Lion Landscape. Before taking them deploying in
the ield; Vanya Prani Mitras are trained at
different levels as per the needs. The training of
118 Vanya Prani Mitras was carried out on 15th
November 2019.
9
 V. Self-Help Group work and Eco-development workshops
Women of Sasan-Gir, Bhalchhel, Nani Khodiyar,
Nataliya, Ambala, Kanedipur, Itali, Amrutvel, and
Bhojade villages participated in Self-Help Group
training that was held from 30th September 2019
to 15th November 2019 for wool work, sewing,
lacework, beauty parlor, paper bag making, eco-
guides, driving and managing cafeteria. The
canteen facilities in Gir Interpretation Zone,
Devaliya (popularly known as Devalia Safari Park)
are managed by women SHG. To keep the
environment clean and reduce the garbage's in the
forest areas, plastic, and items made up of plastic
have been prohibited in the Gir. Locally
made cloth and paper bags are promoted and have
also been provided to the shop owners and
vendors as an alternative material to plastic.
Through this initiative, employment has been
provided to more than 300 local women. The
women were also trained in sewing and
embroidery work related to local handicrafts. The
training was organized by Wildlife Division, Sasan-
Gir. The total number of participants in the
training from 2017-18 to 2019-20 has been shown
in the igure.

1400
Number of Participants

1200 1163
1000
898
800
600
400
200 232
0
2017-18
2018-19 2019-20
Year
Figure 2: The graph indicates the number of
individuals participated in the training program
specially organized for women.

11
VI. Workshop on Communication Skills and Stress Management

A workshop was organized to emphasize the line staff such as ACFs, RFOs, Foresters, and Beat
importance of communication skills, stress Guards. A total of 59 participants participated in
management, and capacity building of the front the workshop.

12
VII. Training in Trauma Management Sasan-Gir under the supervision of Dr. Mohan
Two days training program was organized for the Ram, DCF, Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir. A total of 62
management of trauma, especially for the front front-line staff had participated in the training
line staff. The training was held from 22
nd
program.
November to 23rd November 2019 at Sinh Sadan,

13
VIII. Nature Education Camps 2017-18 to 2019-20 is indicated in the following
As part of the awareness and sensitization igure.
program, nature education camps are conducted
to impart awareness about forestry and wildlife
and to sanitize the young generation about the
values of forests, wildlife, and its conservation
values. Advance trainer's camps are also
conducted with the objective of training nature
conservation enthusiasts to develop capacities to
organize NECs. A total of 60 Nature Education
Camps had been carried out in the year 2019-20.
The total number of camps and participants from

Training for nature educators was conducted from

th th
11 to 16 January 2020 at Sinh Sadan, Sasan-Gir
under the supervision of Dr. Mohan Ram, DCF,
Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir. There were two
batches with a total of 110 participants from all
over the Gujarat state.

15
 3500 70

Number of Participants
60

Number of Camps
3000 60
2500 40 50
2000 30 40
1500 2969 30
1000 2018 20
1472
500 10
0 0
2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
Year
Participant Camp
Figure 3: The graph indicates the number of camps and individuals participated in the
nature education camps at the Gir Camp Site, Sasan-Gir.

16
17
IX. Others
Several training programs were carried out in
2019-20 exemplifying Gir as one of the best
management practices in India. National
conferences, workshops, research works, and
events were also conducted in Gir. Exposure visits,
technological up-gradation & e-gujforest related
training, and study tours were also conducted.
National level conference of Human-Wildlife
th
Con lict Mitigation was also conducted from6 to
th
7 January 2020 at Sinh Sadan, Sasan-Gir.
19
B. Exposure visit for eco-guides and front line staff
E co-guides have been trained to deliver
information about forestry, wildlife, and its
conservation and management to the eco-tourists
with good communication and soft skills. To
improve the skills and to provide exposer to eco-
guides, Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir arranged an
th
exposure visit for the eco-guides from 12
st
November 2019 to 21 November 2019. The
exposure visits included the famous
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan,
Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur, Rajasthan,
and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
A total of 40 eco-guides (including ive female eco-
guides) had been visited the above-mentioned
parks and sanctuaries. Four ield staffs from the
Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir had been also
assigned for the management and coordination of
the entire exposer visit. In this
exposure tour, activities like
ield visits, interaction with
eco-guides, and discussion on
eco-tourism practices, jungle
safari, etc. were carried out.
Besides the management,
information on sites, eco-
development strategies,
geology, community skills,
documentary screening, bird
wa t c h i n g , t h e b e n e i t o f
practices on bicycle safari in
Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary was
also discussed. The exposure tour had received an
overwhelming response from the participants.
This practice can also help eco-guides to
implement and adapt better communication and
soft skills.
Exposure visit for frontline staff to different
National Parks and Sanctuaries of India was
th
organized from 7 December
2019 to 19th December 2019
by the Wildlife Division, Sasan-
Gir. A total of 15 front line staff
members including Veterinary
Of icers, Foresters, Forest
Guards, Trackers, and staff of
Lion Hospital, Sasan-Gir
visited Ranthambhore Tiger
Reserve, Rajasthan,
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve,
Madhya Pradesh, and Kanha
Tiger Reserve, Madhya
Pradesh. During their visit to
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve,
information about the history, area, management
of eco-tourism zone, local development by eco-
tourism, the ecology of tiger and other wild
animals were discussed. Interaction with Dr. Rajiv
Garg, Veterinary Of icer had imparted the
knowledge about basic treatments, treatment of
porcupine quill injury, abandoned cub, and
reuniting with mother. Mr. Aeza K., DCF, Tourism,
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve discussed eco-
21
tourism management and practices, rescue
operations in peripheral areas of Ranthambhore
Tiger Reserve, rescue work complications, and
mob control. During the ield visit, a discussion
was carried out on trees and vegetation,
identi ication of tigers, the behaviour of tigers and
other wildlife, prey base, prey selection, and other
herbivores, etc. The second place of visit was
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Mr. A. K. Sharma,
Director, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve discussed
wildlife, history, and management of the tiger
reserve, grassland management , orphan
rehabilitation practices, management of eco-
tourism and eco-tourism zones, local participation
in conservation practices for forest and wildlife,
management of corridors and elephant-human
con lict and mitigation measures. The relocation
program of 50 Gaur from Kanha Tiger Reserve to
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was also discussed. A
documentary ilm on rescue and awareness work
was also screened. A jungle safari was also carried
out to study the eco-tourism related work in the
park. During the visit to Kanha Tiger Reserve, Mr.
Jitendra Arashe, RFO, Khatia Range narrated about
biodiversity, habitat management, grassland
development, and
management of swamp deer
and other herbivores,
structural facilities for the
management of Kanha Tiger
Reserve, resettlement of
people, and employment
generation programs. Later,
Dr. Sandip Agarwal, Veterinary
Of icer, interacted about the
translocation of Chital, Tiger,
Swamp Deer, and Gaur, rescue
and treatment facilities and
procedures, vehicle facilities,
and Boma technique. During the ield visit, Mr.
Kranti Zaria, RFO, enlightened about wildlife
protection strategies, patrolling, camp visit,
register detail, a mobile application used by Beat
Guards while patrolling, con lict mitigation,
compensation scheme, enclosure for re-wilding
tigers, and their management.
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C. Wildlife Health Care and Human-Wildlife Con lict
T he rescue team of the Wildlife Division, Sasan-
Gir have been recognized nationally as
well as international for doing excellent work for
rescue and rehabilitation related work in the Gir.
Gujarat Forest Department has a long history of
wildlife rescue and health management with well-
equipped Wildlife Health Centre's at Sasan,
Jasadhar, Dhari, Jamvala, Amrapur, Junagadh,
Krankach, Ranigala, Vadal, etc. under the
supervision of able wildlife veterinary of icers.
The wildlife rescue and rehabilitation team is
always ready and working 24×7 for the cause of
conservation of wildlife in Gir. In the year 2019-20,
a total of 676 rescue operations were
accomplished by the rescue team. Their
dedication and hard work spring better
environment for wildlife and people and they have
successfully gained people's trust. They constantly
put in efforts to reduce human-wildlife con lict.
23
Figure 4: The map depicts the wildlife health care centres in the Asiatic Lion Landscape.

24
D. Eco-tourism in Gir
E co-tourism is a “responsible travel to natural
areas that conserve the environment ,
sustains the well-being of the local people, and
involves interpretation and education”. And in Gir,
the eco-tourism is conducted on the same
principle. It provides economic bene its to the
local communities, maximize the experience of
visitors through wildlife safaris and interpretation
about the Gir by the eco-guides, knowledge
sharing while they stay here, interpretation, and to
i n c re a s e t h e i r c o n c e r n fo r t h e c a u s e o f
conservation of biodiversity and nature. To
maintain the natural ecosystem as natural as
possible and to reduce the plastic garbage in the
forest areas, the Forest Department, Gujarat state
has prohibited the carrying and disposal of any
form of plastic or items made up of plastic inside
the Protected Areas in the state through its
Government Regulation no. FND/102019/ 469/W
nd
dated 22 May 2019 and as per the order, we have
prohibited the carrying and disposal of
any form of plastic or items made up of plastic in
the Gir forest. In place of packaged plastic water
bottles, the Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir under the
25
Gujarat Forest Department provides two thermo-
steel reusable water bottles (one liter each bottle)
in each safari vehicle that accommodates six
passengers. The eco-guide has to get the bottle
issued from the Water Kiosk counter in Sinh Sadan
premises before the safari trip starts and deposit it
after the safari trip ends. Each safari vehicle
entering the Gir forest for the safari is checked for
carrying any form of plastic or items made up of
plastic at the entry points.
Moreover, each safari vehicle contains small dust
bins which can be used as and when required. To
recycle the empty plastic water bottles (which
may be brought by the eco-tourist while they are
coming to Sasan-Gir), plastic water bottle crushing
machines have been installed at suitable places
and one can drop the empty water bottles on these
points to dispose off the same responsibly.
26
E. Modern tools and technological advances in Wildlife Conservation
Gir Hi-Tech Monitoring Unit

T he Gujarat Forest Department aims to keep in line with the latest and state of the art technology. The
Gir Hi-Tech Monitoring Unit, Sasan-Gir is one such of the many initiatives taken by the Gujarat Forest
th
Department. The Gir Hi-Tech Monitoring Unit, Sasan-Gir was started on 11 June 2019, to continuously
monitor the movement of Asiatic Lions and ield staff in the Asiatic Lion Landscape. This unit monitors
various managerial segments in the Asiatic Lion Landscape 24*7 and comprises two units with four
separate cells.

Unit 1
I. Check Post Surveillance System
Gir has an old tradition of leading by example and
has been using modern technology for decades.
CCTV cameras have been deployed at selected
check posts in Asiatic Lion Landscape
from where vehicles are allowed to traverse. The
system monitors the movement of vehicles in real-
time and helps in recording the data which can be
useful in the management and protection of the
forest.
II. Forest Vehicle Surveillance System
All the government four-wheelers have been itted
with GPS instruments. The cell monitors the
movement of these vehicles in real-time. This
helps in certain emergencies. This also helps
in con irming visits of forest staff at
probable con lict or important
management intervention locations.
III. Safari Gypsy Surveillance System
T h e G i r J u n g l e Tr a i l a n d G i r
Interpretation Zone attract around
5.5 lakh eco-tourists each year. The
eco-tourism in Gir is very well
managed by the Wildlife Division,
Sasan-Gir. The eco-tourists are
provided with safari vehicles that are
operated by the local people to
provide employment opportunities and local
level livelihood. The safari vehicles operate at Gir
Jungle Trail and Gir Interpretation Zone on
designated routes. This system helps in
monitoring each safari vehicle which is supposed

27
to move on its designated route without any
deviation and oriented towards visitor-centric
satisfaction.
Unit 2
I. Radio-Telemetry Monitoring System
In a irst of its kind initiative in the country, the
Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Forest
Department have moved a step closer to attaining
their consistent aim of conserving Asiatic Lions
through scienti ic management. 75 satellite radio
collars were procured from Germany and these
were itted on Asiatic Lions to monitor their
movements in the Asiatic Lion Landscape. The
locations of the radio-collared lions are obtained
through Iridium satellites at six hours intervals.
The GPS ixes are recorded every hour. The
monitoring system collects and stores the data on
the movement and activity of the Asiatic Lions in
the landscape for further analysis. The radio-
telemetry of the Asiatic Lions provides useful
insights into the ecology of the species and helps in
the management and mitigation of Human-
Wildlife Con lict in the distribution range of the
species.
II. e-gujforest Data Monitoring System
A state of the art Forest Management Information
System called e-GujForest has been developed by
the Gujarat Forest Department. Mobile tablets
(2000 in number) with the application for e-
gujforest installed in them have been given to the
ield staff in the Asiatic Lion Landscape. The
application has an easy Graphical User Interface
and has provisions for clicking and storing images.
The data on forest offences, administrative notes,
rescue, release, wildlife observations, or other
observations are recorded in the tablet. The data
can be stored in an of line mode, which is synced
and relayed through a GSM network once it is
available. This data can then be seen on a desktop
PC by senior managers on an almost real-time
basis. The system also has a link to the
Geographical Information System interface, which
helps in mapping various observations which
makes it easier for the data to be
processed and helps in devising
better protection and management
s t ra t e g i e s i n t h e A s i a t i c L i o n
Landscape.
III. Gir Wireless Communication System
Gir management has procured the latest wireless
technology for smooth communication in remote
areas. The latest wireless technology enables
distantly monitoring each wireless unit including
the handheld radios. The system helps in
monitoring the activity of ield staff through its
enabled GPS functionality and can also help in SOS
situations. The movement of the ield staff and
their patrolling routes can be monitored through
the GPS locations that can be obtained at one-hour
intervals, thus aiding in checking on the
movement on a near real-time basis. The system
also aids in developing closed groups and
designate colour codes to different wireless sets.
28
The Gir Hi-Tech Monitoring Unit which was established with the vision of monitoring the Asiatic Lion
Landscape from a managerial and protection perspective has thus proven to be highly effective and sets an
example for the use of modern tools and technology in the conservation of forests and wildlife in the
country.

29
F. Research Practices
W ildlife Division, Sasan-Gir conducted
various research works to do the scienti ic
study, which can help in the present management
p ra ct ices a s well a s for devisin g fu t u re
conservation and management strategies in the
Asiatic Lion Landscape under the supervision of
Dr. Mohan Ram, DFO, Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir.
A survey of the Maldharis was carried out under
the aegis of the Asiatic Lion Project between
August 2018 and February 2019. Maldharis reside
in nesses (hamlets) and forest settlement villages
in the Gir forest. Each ness and settlement village
was visited and family heads were interviewed.
Each individual with a Masvadi pass was
considered as the head of the family unit. A total of
384 people were interviewed using close-ended
structured questionnaires in Gujarati by
experienced and trained personnel. The
information on the social, educational, and
economic status was collected through these
interviews which included their demographic
information, literacy level, available facilities, their
livestock and landholding, their occupation, their
willingness to relocation and expectations from
the government. This survey has primarily
helped in updating the database of Maldharis and
livestock in the Gir forest and will help devise
f u r t h e r m a n a g e m e n t s t ra t e g i e s f o r t h e
resettlement of Maldharis and long-term
conservation of the Gir landscape.
The population estimation of wild herbivores is
conducted in the Gir forest every summer and
winter as per the Management Plan. The wildlife
enumerated includes Spotted Deer, Sambar, Nilgai,
Chinkara, Four-horned Antelope, Langur, Wild Pig,
Blackbuck, and Indian Peafowl. The population
estimation of herbivores conducted in May 2019
covered Wildlife Sanctuaries, Reserved, and Non-
reserved vidis in the Gir and Greater Gir
Landscape using the road count method. This
exercise aimed to monitor changes in populations
and generate a baseline of prey base for areas that
lack previous estimates. This was the irst time
that an advanced scienti ic and robust method of
Distance sampling was implemented to assess the
population of wild herbivores. The results of this
exercise hold a lot of potential for conservation
and management purposes.
31
The survey of water points (for the augmented
supply of water in Gir forest during the lean
period) in the Gir forest was conducted to assess
the present situation of all the arti icial and natural
wa t e r p o i n t s a n d d e v i s e f u t u re h a b i t a t
management strategies accordingly. The survey
was conducted between 29th April 2019 and 3rd
July 2019 in the Gir forest. Data of the water points
were collected, along with their GPS locations, the
shape of the arti icial water points, parapets on
wells, maintenance requirements, functionality,
seasonality of natural water points, turbidity,
siltation, mechanism of the water re illing, the
necessity of covering the well, whitewash,
livestock/ wildlife visiting the point, salt lick, rug,
mud wallow, and requirement of another water
point in the vicinity. The extensive data was
compiled, analyzed, and developed into a report
that will assist in developing habitat management
strategies in the future.

A Gir Hi-Tech Monitoring Unit has been

established under the Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir
to continuously monitor the movement of staff as
well as wildlife in the Asiatic Lion Landscape. It
houses the Radio Telemetry Cell, Wireless
Communication Cell, Centralized Data Pooling
System, Safari Vehicle Tracking Cell, CCTV
Monitoring Cell, and Tagged Bird Monitoring
System. This unit operates 24×7 and regularly
generates alerts to the concerned administrative
divisions. The radio-telemetry data of Asiatic
Lions are also being regularly analyzed to
understand the movement ecology of the Asiatic
lions in the Asiatic Lion Landscape. Camera
trapping exercise has been ongoing in the Gir
forest to develop a better understanding of
nocturnal, shy, and rare wildlife.

32
G. The Lion Hospital, Sasan-Gir
T he Lion Hospital has been renovated with
modern equipment at Sasan-Gir. This hospital
is full- ledged with the latest veterinary care
equipment with a small laboratory, ICU, and also
diagnostic treatment equipment such as an
automatic biochemistry analyzer, hematology
analyzer, sonography machine, computerized
radiography system, bacteriological incubator,
pulse oximeter, electrocardiogram, oxygen
concentrator, multipara monitors, 3D stereo
microscope, compound microscope, etc. The irst
fully equipped Lion Ambulance was launched in
the country on 11thJune 2019, at Sasan-Gir. The
Lion Ambulance is equipped with all modern
facilities required for veterinary of the wildlife.
33
34
H. Outreach Programs place by gathering in an institution, organizing a
rally, completing the rally, taking an oath for
F or long term conservation and better
management of any protected area, it is
important and good to involve people and get their
support in strengthening the conservation work
and to reduce negative impacts on the biodiversity
by providing local people-centric works in the
villages around the Gir PA. The Gujarat Forest
Department works at the grass-root level to
resolve con licts and promote conservation and
encourage co-existence with wildlife. Gir PA is
managed with substantial active inputs from local
participation and economic bene its to generate
local support for the cause of conservation. The
local people and forest settlers are engaged as
trackers, eco-guides, safari vehicle drivers, other saving lions, screening of a documentary ilm
works related to eco-tourism, nature education about the lions, and speech on the lions and their
camps, Vanya Prani Mitra, resource persons, conservation by the participants. Under the
workshops, seminars, and works related to guidance of Shri Shyamal Tikadar, IFS, PCCF
conservation of wildlife. Eco-tourist guides are (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Gujarat State,
trained to develop desired skills for imparting and Shri D. T. Vasavada, IFS, Chief Conservator\
adequate information to the visitors. The Vanya Forests, Wildlife Circle, Junagadh and under the
Prani Mitras gathers information regarding the leadership of Dr. Mohan Ram, IFS, DFO, Wildlife
movement of wildlife and activities going on the Division, Sasan-Gir, and the team of the division
peripheral villages and helps in rescue related of ice coordinated the event successfully. All the
works in the Asiatic Lion Landscape. Off late, Gir administrative forest divisions in the Asiatic Lion
Samvad Setu Program was introduced to interact Landscape has coordinated the work locally and
with the local community for sensitizing about helped in the celebration of world lion day. .
wildlife and its habitat and the need for
conservation. Questions, queries, and small local
level issues of local people also get resolved
locally during such interactions. In this program,
more than 4000 people including the Sarpanch,
panchayat members, EDC members, teachers, and
local people from 103 villages of 7 talukas and 2
districts participated, which made this program
successful for the cause of conservation. .

I. World Lion Day Celebration (10th August)

The Wildlife Division, Sasan Gir had organized a
th
celebration of World Lion Day on 10 August
2019. It was celebrated with a series of events in
educational institutes of ive districts of Gujarat
namely Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar,
and Botad. The awareness programs had taken
This mass event of awareness generation was
conducted for the cause of conservation of Asiatic
Lions in the Asiatic Lion Landscape among
students and local peoples who have participated
in 5486 institutions (schools) with sprawling

35
participation of 11,37,421 people at multiple
th
venues in a single day on 10 August 2019 in the
Asiatic Lion Landscape. The event has been
recorded in the World Book of Records, UK, for
maximum participation of people at multiple
venues in one day for the cause of conservation of
Asiatic lions. A certi ication of this record-holding
event has also been awarded by the World Book
of Records, UK. .
Below graphical representation indicates the
participation received in the previous and recent
celebrations of world lion days. .

Figure 5: Graphical representation in the graph indicates the participation

received in the previous and recent celebrations of world lion day.

36
II. World Wildlife Week celebration in Gir (2nd October to 8th October 2019)

Wildlife week is celebrated to sensitize and aware programs and events had been carried out viz.
people about wildlife, its habitat, and their seminars, drawing, and essay competition and
conservation. To celebrate wildlife week during rally related to conservation of wildlife and its
the year 2019, different events were organized habitat. On the last day of this event, the main
nd
during the entire week. On 2 October, of icials function has been organized at Sinh Sadan
from the Forest Department, front line staff, Campus, Sasan-Gir including the prize
teachers, students, local people, eco-guides, and distribution ceremony for the winner in different
self-help group members gathered at Sinh Sadan competitions.
Campus, Sasan-Gir to attend the celebration by
cleaning and removing the plastic and other waste
from forest and village area. Moreover, people
were also gathered for the celebration at Kodinar
and organized a rally with banners displaying
messages related to conservations of wildlife and
its habitat. The event at Kodinar was jointly
organized by the Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir, and
Nature Club, Kodinar.
rd
On 3 October,many students and teachers
participated in painting and essay writing
competitions from Gir Gadhada, Una, and Kodinar
Talukas of Gir- Somnath district. On 4th October,
Nature Club, Kodinar, and students had cleaned
the plastic and other garbage from the beach (the
marine ecosystem). Till 8th October, different

37
 I. Gir Ramatotsav (24thto 26th January 2020)

G ir Ramatotsav (sports event) has been

organized since 2013 under the aegis of Late
Shri Shaktisinh Visana Memorial Gir Forest Staff
Welfare Association, Sasan-Gir. Gir Ramatotsav
program is carried out every year from 24th to 26th
January. Sports events that strengthen and help in
the team-building spirit, better coordination
among the staff members, boost physical and
mental strength, and reduces the stress in the front
line staff are conducted during the program. In this
three-day activity, a total of 18 sports events had
been organized successfully. The total number of
participants from 2013 to 2020 is shown in the
igure below. The whole event is supervised by the
President of the Gir Welfare Fund, Sasan-Gir. The
Divisional Forest Of icer, Wildlife Division, Sasan-
Gir is the President of the Gir Welfare Fund.

800
675
700 615
Number of Participants

600
497 501
500
400 366 335
312
300
200 108
100
0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Year

Figure 6: Total number of participants in

Gir Ramatotsav held from 2013 to 2020.

39
40
J. The Lion Kingdom (10 episode documentary ilm on Animal Planet HD)
T he Lion Kingdom is a documentary ilm on
practices of effective conservation and
management by the Gujarat Forest Department
and their relentless efforts to conserve the Asiatic
Lions as well as other wildlife. The documentary
shows the ecology of the lions, coexistence,
current management practices, rescue, and
rehabilitation works in the Gir landscape. The 10
episodes series showcases the hard work done by
the frontline forest staff for the cause of
conservation in the Gir landscape. It beautifully
depicts the wildlife of Gir PA and shows how
Gujarat Forest Department is well cognizant for
the long-term conservation of Asiatic Lions and
other wildlife in the Asiatic Lion Landscape.
41
K. Testimonials
G ir is known for its conservation practices
and management worldwide and it is important
to keep moving further to new challenges and
upgrade accordingly. Every research and
monitoring work has been documented for record
and future management purposes. Proper
documentation provides evidence of what has
transpired as well as provides information for
researching discrepancies. These documents can
be iles, statistical data, records, images, other
materials that can be accessed in the social,
public, or digital context. Many brochures,
pamphlets, and booklets are available to
demonstrate current practices and management
work in Asiatic Lion Landscape. Eco-tourism
related booklets are available at the reception
centre and souvenir shop at Sinh Sadan Campus,
Sasan-Gir. Gir Darpan provides information on
ongoing activities, developmental works,
research, or any related news that is worth
circulating.
Visits from VIPs and VVIPs increase the
effectiveness of the plan for the conservation of
biodiversity and wildlife of Gir. They are
important elements for ef iciently circulating
awareness among people about nature and the
environment. Gir receives several visits from
such dignitaries, who enrich their knowledge and
experience of wildlife and nature. Below are some
mentions of dignitaries who have visited Gir and
shared their experience. .
“My visit to Gir National Park and Sanctuary has
been a memorable one. The sight of wild animal
roaming freely in this beautiful habitat is a sight
to behold. I could feel the majesty and aura of the
Asiatic lions, the pride of our nation. .
The Government of Gujarat, Forest Of icers, Staff
and local people especially the Maldhari and Siddi
communities have made untiring efforts to ensure
that the rich Flora and Fauna of Gir thrives and is
preserved for posterity. I am con ident that the
Gir lions shall continue to roar forever." .
Shri Ram Nath Kovind
Hon'ble President of India
.
43

“Today, my heart is illed with joy after visiting
Sasan-Gir National Park. After profoundly
evaluating the efforts and taken here for wildlife
conservation. I have come to the conclusion that
Gir National Park is completely safe and
protected. Especially the modern techniques used
for Lion conservation and monitoring their prides
is extremely appreciated. I also had the privilege
to experience generosity and humbleness of the
Sasan Gir staff during my stay. My wish is that the
humbleness remains continue. I hope this
National Park continues to attract those who are
interested to know every little thing related to
wildlife." . “It is my ifth visit to a National Park/ Sanctuary.
Shri Acharya Devvrat
Hon'ble Governor of Gujarat.
We came to Gandhinagar for the conference of
Parties of Migratory species. While we made
progress in tour of political decisions, at each
conference we have to put more species under
protection because their numbers are dwindling.
Over the years, it is very hard to stay optimistic
for the future of nature conservation because the
situation is getting worse and worse.
"Now we came here and seeing how you managed
to save the Asiatic Lion from existence gives us
hope! Hope that it is possible to unite people and
conservation, hope that lagship species like the
Lion may allow us to achieve protection of
ecosystem and entire Landscape, even under
growing population pressure and economic
development.
Thank you for putting an idea and hope in our
minds" .
Josef Tumbrinck and Jurglu Fiedrick
Federal Ministry for the Environment,
Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Germany
“The fate of the Asiatic Lion in the Gir forest has
been a concern of the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist
Group since the Chairmanship of Peto Jackson in
the 1980s. Then, the Cat SG was worried about
the future of the last Asiatic Lions. Today, we are
coming to the Gir forest to learn how to conserve
a large, charismatic predator in a human
dominated landscape. We are impressed by the
comprehensiveness of the conservation
programme, including the habitat, the prey, the
lion and the people in the near and far vicinity of
the Gir forest. And we hope that this puts
trending example of successful conservation may
be repeated across the distribution range of
Panthera leo leo !" .
UM Breitenmoser
Co-chair, IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group
Sam Nicholson
Co-ordinator of the African Lion Database
Hans Bauer
University of Oxford
And I was to be ive times lucky here; we spotted
5 lions. Very well managed, it was unique
experience. Also gained insights into wildlife
management conservation, research, training and
other aspects. Sinh sadan is so comfortable to
stay in: so professionally managed and hospitable.
I wish team Sasan Gir all the best for future. May
the wild life grow, multiply and be safe." .
Smt Upma Chawdhry
. Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, GOI
"We had a one-night amazing stay. The early
morning safari ride is highly recommended. We
encountered 2 male lions out for marking
territories and a lioness lazing around. Food was
also amazing. The rooms are spacious, luxurious,
well decorated and clean." .
. Justice Vikram Nath
Hon'ble Chief Justice, High Court of Gujarat
45
“This is my 6th or 7th visit to this wonderful
forest. What to say about the different Jungle!
Mornings are wonderful in the jungle and feel
that when such fresh air would be inhaled again.
The lions, lioness and cute cubs are compelling
me and my family to visit it again and again! The
system developed of communication between the
p e r s o n n e l a m o n g fo re s t d e p a r t m e n t i s
unbelievable! 'Sinh-Sadan' is exceptionally
maintained. Very clean and hygienically
maintained. Staff is very courteous."
Justice A. J. Desai
High Court of Gujarat
“Visitor who comes to Gir should de initely visit
Sasan. It is the only abode of the king of the
jungle, Asiatic lion. The staff of guest house is
very disciplined. The food is hygienic. The
experience of jungle safari was very good.
Especially info on Asiatic Lions and their
psychology was very well explained. The staff is
doing great job in keeping the jungle clean. Their
insistence for tourists to respect the lion deserves
to be appreciated." .
Smt Bhavnaben Dave
Vice-Chancellor, University Development Board
Ex. M.P L-S. and Ex. Mayor Ahmedabad
“It was a memorable experience to spot the
majestic Asiatic lion in their natural habitat. Due
to experienced team we were being able to see
two groups. In addition, we were very lucky to
spot a leopard. A rare experience indeed! We
thank the team at Gir National Park for their
wonderful hospitality and for the excellent
conservation efforts. Our best wishes to them for
their continual success, so that countless others
can enjoy the spectacle too." .
.
Smt Indu Bhushan
CEO, National Health Authority, Ayushman Bharat
“Our stay here was very pleasant and comfortable.
The meals were very good like home cooked food.
The safari was very enjoyable and we saw
majestic lion as well as several other animal and
birds. It was very informative and educational too.
And we got an insight of the amount of labour
that goes into managing the forest and taking care
of the animals. Overall, every member thoroughly
enjoyed themselves. The staff was very warm and
courteous." .
Justice Harola Desai
Judge, High Court of Gujarat.
46
 Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir
Wildlife Circle, Junagadh, Gujarat (INDIA)