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Gir wildlife Sanctuary
 In the southwest of the peninsular state of Gujarat and at 40 km from Junagarh, the Gir wildlife sanctuary is situated. The sanctuary stretches its limit to as far as 1413 Sq. Kms and easily considered as the last habitat of Asiatic lions. The charming sanctuary is nestled amid loads of good-looking lakes and rivers. Gir had been handed the status of wildlife sanctuary after the Indian independence to stop widespread hunting, prevailing during the British period.
Mixed deciduous forests dominate the Gir wildlife sanctuary, and teak, Acacia and Banyan trees form the major chunk. The tree species like Jamun, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus, Karanj, Ber, Tendu, Semul, Umro and Amli endow Gir a distinct touch. With a vast number of broad leaved and evergreen trees, the area surrounding the sanctuary maintains the moisture content.
Gir wildlife sanctuary boasts of the largest number of Leopards in India. Amazingly, even sometimes at night Leopards are seen roaming free near the tourist lodges. Sambar, Chital, Langur, Jackal, Panthers, Wild Cats, Hares, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar and Hyena are some other easily visible animals in the sanctuary.
Gir is a paradise for bird watching and its numerous sources of water catch the attentions of migratory bird species in winter months. Scores of local species of birds get mixed with the migratory birds and present a better view. Gray Drongo, Pied Woodpeckers, Coppersmiths, Paradise Flycatchers, Black headed Cuckoo Shrike, Indian Rollers, Crested Swifts, Fish Owls, Black Vultures etc are few common birds the Gir wildlife sanctuary.
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