Fauna :-

 

Gir has a diverse assemblage of wild fauna. Apart from the last free-ranging population of the Asiatic lion, some of the other carnivores are leopard (Panthera pardus), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), jackal (Canis aureus) and ratel (Mellivora capensis). Major wild prey species of lions were chital (Axis axis), sambar (Rusa unicolor), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and wild pig (Sus scrofa).

The tag of a dry land doesn't deprive Gir of life, it is full of survivors. The star is definitely the male Lion - best bet is to step out early morning when the loners, pairs  or the pride are on patrol, they do not perceive humans as a threat, so its quite possible to sight them at close quarters. The 38 species of mammals' list also includes mongoose, chowsingha and nilgai, which are commonly seen. Its more elusive inhabitants include the leopard (more than 200), spotted hyena and the jungle cat. Also found here are the star tortoise and monitor lizard. Gir is also a place to view the marsh crocodile, their numbers are close to a thousand.The Unique ecosystem of Gir harbours about 38 species of mammels, around 300 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and more than 2000 species of insects. The Main carnivores of ghir are the Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Jungle cat, Hyeana, Jackal, Mongoose, Civet cat and ratel. Desert cats and rusted spotted cats are very rare. The main herbivores of gir are Sambhar, Chital, Spotted deer, Nilgai, Chinkara and wild boar with a small population of black buck. Among the smaller mammals are the porcupines and hares and the rare pangolin. The reptilian fauna is represented by crocodile, the star tortoise, the monitor lizard and a number of species of snakes. Python is also found along the stream banks. The highest population of marsh crocodiles anywhere in one area is found in gir forest.