The Hindu
An Asiatic lion at the Gir Sanctuary in Gujarat. File photo: K.R. Deepak
Ahmedabad, June 16, 2014
Updated: June 16, 2014 22:09 IST
Owing to the mating season of animals during monsoon
The Gir National Park — home to the Asiatic lion — will remain closed for the monsoon till October 15, forest officials said.
The
forest was closed for tourists from Monday, a day after the monsoon
arrived in Gujarat. “Like every year, forest activity is shut for
tourists from June 15 to October 15. The monsoon closure is part of the
management plan. It is the mating season for the wildlife. Moreover,
roads and paths get broken and washed away in the rains,” Sandeep Kumar,
Deputy Conservator of Forests, told The Hindu.
Taking advantage of the lean season, the forest management conducts special rescue and protection drive during the monsoon.
“During
monsoon, there are chances of animals being infested by maggots, if
they sustain injury. We divide our staff into teams and give them maps
who will conduct special drives in the forest, checking on the health
status of the animals, giving them treatment when needed. While we do
this for all animals, our main focus will be on the Asiatic lion. We
also check for cubs which might have strayed,” Mr. Kumar said.
The
forest has to mandatorily remain shut till the end of September but
depending on the duration of the monsoon the management may decide to
open the park for tourists in the beginning of October.
“But that is only if we feel there is no chance of rain,” said Mr. Kumar.
According
to the census conducted in 2010, the Gir Forest has 411 Asiatic lions,
4,400 sambars, 600 leopards and 302 species of birds, besides 63,000
herbivores.
The next census is due in 2015.
1 comment:
Gir National Park attracts droves of visitors to see the Asiatic lion in the wild, as it's the only place in the world where these creatures are now found. Tourist across the seas comes here to visit the amazing location and for many travelers who prefer to stay at Luxury Vanvaso Resort.
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