Asiatic Lions’ New Abode: Why Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is Crucial for Big Cats’ Future

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

Latest News

• Proposal to make sanctuary second home for Asiatic lions
• First meeting of Project Lion national steering committee
• Lions migrating naturally to sanctuary

Hello, I am Vandna Phogat, an IFS Officer. This article is part of a series of articles I write to provide key insights and concepts about Indian forests to our reader community. I am pleased to share positive updates regarding Barda Wildlife Sanctuary’s future as a second home for Asiatic lions.

The Gujarat forest department recently proposed designating Barda as an additional lion habitat before the Project Lion steering committee. This first meeting marks an important step in relieving pressure on the Gir ecosystem.

With the lion population rising, expanding their range is crucial. Barda offers suitable terrain and prey base to sustain these cats. Already some lions have started migrating here, adapting seamlessly to the sanctuary.

I am hopeful that designating Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as a second lion home will significantly bolster the long-term survival and conservation of Asiatic lions. It is a positive step on the road to ensuring our national animal continues to flourish for generations to come.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Overview

Introduction

• Brief overview of sanctuary – location, establishment, area, significance

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wilderness area located in Gujarat’s Porbandar district. It lies only 15 km from the coast of Porbandar town, nestled in the hills of the Barda forest range.

This sanctuary covers 192 square km of diverse habitat including mixed deciduous forests, scrublands, rocky terrain and water bodies. It was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in February 1979 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Though relatively small in area, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is abundant in floral diversity with over 650 recorded plant species. It provides sanctuary to a variety of animals including leopards, striped hyenas, wolves, wild boars, antelopes and more.

The sanctuary serves as an important refuge for rare and endangered species of plants and animals in the region. Its varied topography and ecosystems also make it ecologically significant.

In recent years, Barda has been proposed as a potential second home for the endangered Asiatic lions. This translocation from Gir National Park would help reduce overcrowding and support long-term conservation of the lions.

Geography of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

Terrain

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary lies within the rugged Barda Hills, a range of rocky hills and forests in southern Gujarat. The sanctuary encompasses not just the hills but also the surrounding valleys and plains.

The terrain includes steep rocky outcrops as well as flat grasslands. Smaller hills and undulating valleys dot the landscape. The elevation ranges from 100 to 550 meters above sea level. This varied terrain contributes to the diversity of habitats found within the sanctuary.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Location Map

Rivers

Two main rivers flow through the sanctuary:

• Bileshvary River: This river originates from the Barda Hills and meanders through the sanctuary. It is a seasonal river but helps sustain the forests during the monsoons.
• Joghri River: The Joghri is another river flowing down from the hills across the protected area before draining out into the Arabian Sea. Its waters support rich aquatic life.

Lakes/Dams

Two significant water bodies are located near Barda Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Khambala Dam: This dam close to the sanctuary helps provide year-round water supply. Regulated flow from the dam supports wildlife during drier months.
• Fodara Dam: The Fodara is smaller dam within the sanctuary. By conserving monsoon waters, it creates additional wetland habitat for resident and migratory birds.

The rivers and dams of Barda add diversity to its landscape. They sustain vegetation, provide drinking water for animals and create wetland ecosystems for birds and aquatic life.

History

• Year of establishment
• Purpose of establishment
• Recent developments – proposed lion translocation

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has an interesting conservation history. It was officially declared a protected sanctuary on August 24, 1979 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

The key purpose behind its establishment was to provide safe habitat for the diverse wildlife native to the Barda hills and forests. This wildlife includes leopards, striped hyenas, chinkaras, wolves as well as rare birds and medicinal plants.

In March 2023, the sanctuary gained renewed significance when the Gujarat government proposed translocating Asiatic lions here from Gir National Park.

This planned reintroduction is part of Project Lion, an initiative to move lions to Barda and ease high population density in Gir. Being further inland, Barda provides a relatively arid habitat preferred by lions.

If successful, the translocation would mark a new chapter for Barda as a second home for endangered Asiatic lions. It would help strengthen long-term conservation of these iconic big cats in Gujarat.

The sanctuary’s four decades of dedicated management have allowed wildlife to thrive. The proposed lion relocation reaffirms Barda’s importance as a safe refuge for rare, native species.

Flora

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary harbors an incredible diversity of plant life across various forest types including:

• Dry Deciduous Scrub: Dominated by small, deciduous shrubs and trees adapted to arid conditions.
• Northern Tropical Thorn Forest: Consisting of thorny trees that can withstand challenging soil and climate.
• Dry Bamboo Brakes: Scattered bamboo thickets that provide resources for wildlife.

Notable plant species found here include:

• Babul: An important tree providing food and shelter.
• Jamun: Bearing edible fruits and having medicinal value.
• Ber: Produces small, sweet fruits also eaten by wildlife.
• Gorad: A timber and fodder tree thriving in dry regions.
• Bamboos: Diverse grass species that create habitat and food sources.

The sanctuary is also home to numerous medicinal plants and rare, endangered floral species.

Fauna

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has a wide variety of animal life:

Mammals found here include:

• Leopard
• Striped Hyena
• Wild Boar
• Bluebull
• Chinkara
• Blackbuck

Birds of prey like:

• Spotted Eagle
• Crested Hawk Eagle

Reptiles including:

• Snakes
• Monitor Lizards
• Turtles

This diversity of species makes the sanctuary an important refuge for wildlife conservation.

Local Ethnic Groups

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in a region of Gujarat that is home to various indigenous communities including:

• Maldharis: A pastoral community engaged in cattle herding and dairy farming. They have a close bond with their livestock.
• Bharvads: Skilled pastoralists involved in animal husbandry, agriculture and related fields.
• Rabaris: Known for their vibrant culture, embroidery and nomadic lifestyle moving with their herds.
• Gadhvis: With diverse occupations in agriculture, trade and other professions that contribute to the local economy.

These ethnic groups have ancestral connections to the land and wildlife of Barda. Their traditional lifestyles and practices are interlinked with the local environment.

Conservation Significance

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary holds great ecological significance:

• As a protected habitat, it allows native flora and fauna to thrive. Over 650 plant species and varied animal life are sustained here.
• The sanctuary is now proposed as a second home for endangered Asiatic lions. Successfully housing a translocated lion population would be a major achievement in wildlife conservation.

By preserving its biodiversity and ecosystem, Barda plays a key role in saving Gujarat’s natural heritage for future generations. Its effective management serves as a model for environmental protection in the region.

Final Thoughts

As an Indian Forest Service officer who has closely studied India’s wildlife landscapes, I recognize the immense significance of sanctuaries like Barda for conservation.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary stands out as a thriving natural refuge in Gujarat’s arid Saurashtra region. Its diverse forests and grasslands sustain an incredible variety of plants, animals and birds. Many rare, endemic and endangered species find safe haven here.

The sanctuary’s proposed second home for Asiatic lions is a milestone for these regal but vulnerable big cats. Prudent habitat management and protection of Barda’s ecosystems can secure the long-term survival of the lions as well as other wildlife.

For me, Barda also represents the harmonious coexistence between nature and indigenous communities like Maldharis, Bharvads, Rabaris and Gadhvis whose lives are intertwined with this land.

In our country with immense biodiversity but also growing human footprint, protected areas like Barda Wildlife Sanctuary are essential for safeguarding our threatened natural heritage. The sanctuary’s conservation efforts exemplify how balanced management can restore wildlife populations and habitats. Its success stands as a model to be emulated across India’s protected areas.