INDIAN GEOGRAPHY

Detailed explanation-1: -At present, Gir forests of Gujarat (India) is the only place where this race of lions i.e. Asiatic lion is found in its natural habitat. Unlike the other big cats, lion is tolerant of the presence of human being and it even lives near the human settlements.

Detailed explanation-2: -In Saurashtra’s Gir Forest, an area of 1, 412.1 km2 (545.2 sq mi) was declared as a sanctuary for Asiatic lion conservation in 1965. This sanctuary and the surrounding areas are the only habitats supporting the Asiatic lion.

Detailed explanation-3: -There are approximately 600 Asiatic lions left in the Gir Forest of Western India, their last remaining natural habitat.

Detailed explanation-4: -Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions. Adult males weigh 160 to 190 kg, while females weigh 110 to 120 kg. The height at the shoulders is about 3.5 ft (110 cm). The maximum recorded total length of a male Asiatic lion is 2.92m (115 inches) including the tail.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary also known as Sasan-Gir, is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965, the park is located about 65 km to the south-east of Junagadh.