Gir forest

11 Nov 2024 12:14:34 pm

Tags : Gir forest

Topic: Protected Areas

Why in the news?

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) published a draft notification, proposing to notify 3,328 sq. km. around the Gir forest in Gujarat as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). However, a revised draft a week later reduced the scope of the protected area to 2,061 sq. km. Forest officers said the reduction was needed to accommodate the basic needs of people living around the forest. Many commercial and infrastructure-building activities are prohibited inside ESZs.

Source: The Indian Express

About Gir forest:

It is located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat.
It is the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions.
It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965 and a national park in 1975.
It is the largest compact tract of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India.
It forms a unique habitat for many mammals, reptiles, birds and insect species along with a rich variety of flora.
Gir is often linked with \"Maldharis\" who have survived through the ages by having a symbiotic relationship with the lion.
- Maldharis are religious pastoral communities living in Gir. Their settlements are called \"nesses\".

Asiatic Lions

These are found in the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Threats:
- They are vulnerable to disease, encroachment, forest fire, natural calamities, grazing, collection of fuelwood, Non-timber forest produce (NTFP), poaching, tourism, religious pilgrimage and accidental lion deaths due to human causes.
- In 2018, Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) was responsible for the death of more than 25 Lions in the Gir forest of Gujarat.
- Also, there have been indications of poaching incidents in recent years.
Protection Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I