Conservation and management of Gir Lion Sanctuary and National Park, Gujarat, India Original Research Article

Data on vegetation, ungulate population and status of Maldhari graziers from 1987 to 1989 were collected to assess the effect of conservation measures taken in Gir Lion Sanctuary after a programme of research in the 1970s. Line transects and road-strip counts were used for sampling vegetation and estimating population sizes of ungulate species. Eleven broad vegetation types were recognised in three management districts of Gir. Tree density (> 6 m) was higher in National Park (c. 300/ha) and Sanctuary West (c. 270/ha) than in Sanctuary East (c. 110/ha). Similar trends were observed among shrubs > 1 m high. The maximum species richness and diversity was recorded in Sanctuary West and it decreased from west to east. Gir currently supports some 51,000 chital Axis axis, 2100 sambar Cervus unicolor, 600 nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus and chinkara Gazella gazella and 400 chowsingha Tetracerous quadricornis as well as 284 lions Panthera leo persica. The conservation issues are discussed and some management actions recommended.