Asiatic lions
India's lions look similar to their African cousins, but have
a characteristic fold of skin along their belly. The Asiatic males also
have a scantier mane, but we only saw lionesses and youngsters on our
visit. The vast majority of India's lions live in the Gir Forest, although
as the population has grown some animals have dispersed about outside the
protected area. The lions can be difficult to locate in the dense forest,
but once found they are extremely relaxed around vehicles and people. These
factors have made them increasingly vulnerable to poaching. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Young lioness & lion
|
|
Leopard
Not a brilliant picture, but the only evidence of our leopard
encounter! The Gir Forest has one of the densest
populations of leopards in India (over 300 animals) but although they
are the most widespread and numerous big cat, leopards are notoriously
elusive. This animal took us by surprise when it shot across the road
about 8 metres (26 feet) in front of our jeep. It then ran up the wooded
valley side before turning to crouch down and survey us for a few seconds
from a safe distance. |
|
Spotted deer or chital
Spotted deer are an important prey species for large carnivores
in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. The Gir Forest is home to almost 47,000
spotted deer which is probably the main reason why the reserve can support
so many lions and leopards. Calves like the one on the right can be born
at any time of year, and we saw lots of youngsters during our visit.
The young stag below was growing his first set of antlers, so he was chewing
on an antler shed by an older male to get the minerals he needed.
|
|
|
|
|
Sambar deer
Sambar are India's biggest deer - the stags are 1.5 metres (5 feet) tall at
the shoulder and can grow enormous antlers. The Gir Forest supports almost
3000 sambar, and although a pride of lions could kill one they are not
a key prey species for the big cats. Sambar have quite thick coats in
winter which they moult as summer approaches. The stag on the right had
been scratching himself on a tree to help the moult along.
|
|
|
|
Hanuman langur monkeys
Hanuman or common grey langurs are a common sight in India's forests
and in some towns and villages. Their tails are 1 metre (over 3 feet)
long, and help them balance as they leap through the trees at high speed.
Because of the religious status of the species (Hanuman is the Hindu
monkey deity), these langurs are rarely harmed by humans and are therefore
very relaxed around people and jeeps. Their main predators are leopards
and lions, and the surest signs of a big cat are the frantic alarm calls
of the langurs and spotted deer.
|
|
|
|
|
Mottled wood owl
Around 30 species of owl are found in India, and the mottled wood
owl is a widespread resident. However, these birds are superbly camouflaged
as they rest in their tree holes and they can be very difficult to spot. |
|
Marsh or mugger crocodile
Marsh or mugger crocodiles are widespread in India and the surrounding
countries, but that is the limit of their range and the species is classified
as Vulnerable in conservation terms. They are mainly
found in and around freshwater where they
will tackle virtually any potential prey. Muggers can reach over 5 metres
(16 feet) in length and have even been filmed fighting with adult tigers,
but this animal
was doing nothing more exciting than basking in the morning sunshine. |
|
Full
list of mammals seen at Gir Forest National Park:
Asiatic lion
Leopard
Golden jackal
Small Indian mongoose
Spotted deer
Sambar deer
Nilgai or blue bull
Wild boar
Hanuman langur monkey
Northern palm squirrel
|
Website created by Gill
Sinclair
www.gillsinclair.net
All images on this
page © Gill Sinclair 2007.
The images on these pages must not be copied
or saved without the express permission
of the copyright owner.
Last updated 3 September 2007
|
