Master National park in Gujarat with MAP | Gir National Park [2023]

This article is about the National park in Gujarat, which includes Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Vansda National Park, and the Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park and a beautiful map !

  • Gujarat state situated within latitudes 20°10’ to 24°50’ N and longitudes of 68°40’ to 74° E covers an area of 1,96,022 sq. km. It has a coastline of approximately 1600 km, which is the most extensive coastline in India.
  • It contains unique saline deserts of Kachchh, vast grasslands and thorn forests of Saurashtra, moist forests of south Gujarat and large areas under various wetlands, lakes and mountains make this land important for wildlife.
  • Aravallis, Vindhyas, Satpura, Sahayadri and the Western Ghats terminate in Gujarat, and some of them converge and merge at one place.
  • Gujarat has varied climatic and geomorphologic conditions, which helps migrate wildlife and hence build species diversity.

Geographical Features of Gujarat

FeatureDetails
Area1,96,022 sq. km
CoastlineApproximately 1600 km, the longest in India
DesertsUnique saline deserts of Kachchh
Grasslands and forestsVast grasslands and thorn forests of Saurashtra, moist forests of south Gujarat
WildlifeLarge areas under various wetlands, lakes, and mountains make this land important for wildlife
MountainsAravallis, Vindhyas, Satpura, Sahayadri, and the Western Ghats converge and merge at one place
RiversNarmada is the largest river in Gujarat, followed by the Tapi; Sabarmati has the longest course through the state
National park in Gujarat

Borders and Districts of Gujarat

DirectionBorders
NorthwestTharparkar, Badin, and Thatta districts of Pakistan’s Sindh province
SouthwestArabian Sea
NortheastRajasthan
EastMadhya Pradesh
SouthMaharashtra, the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Historical namesNorth: Anarta; Kathiawar peninsula: Saurastra; South: Lata; Pratichya and Varuna
CapitalGandhinagar (planned city)
Ports41 ports – one major, 11 intermediate, and 29 minor
National park in Gujarat

Now lets see National Park in Gujarat one by one

Table Showing National Park in Gujarat with Area.

S.NoName of ParkArea Sq.Km
1Gir National Park258.71
2Marine National Park Gulf of Kutch162.89
3Blackbuck National Park34.53
4Vansda National Park23.99
Source: Wildlife Institute of India, GOI

Gir National Park

Geographical Information

LatitudeBetween 20’40’ N and 21’50’ N
LongitudeBetween 70’50’ E and 71’50’ E
LocationSaurashtra region of Gujarat state, western India
Area1412 sq. km
Core area258 sq. km
Districts coveredJunagadh and Amreli
SubdivisionsGir East and Gir West
CentreSasan in Talala taluka of Junagadh district
NotificationDeclared a wildlife sanctuary on 18th September 1965 to conserve the Asiatic Lion
National park in Gujarat
TribesMaldharies community of tribals (the Grazers)
SignificanceAn integral part of Gir for the last 175 years
National park in Gujarat
  • The Gir National Park and Sanctuary lie between latitude 20’40’ N 21’50’ N and longitude 70’50’ E 71’50’ E in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat state, western India.
  • The Gir National Park is also known as Sasan Gir in Gujarat State’s Junagarh district.
  • The Sanctuary spreads over the Junagadh and Amreli districts of Saurashtra. The main centre, “Sasan”, is located in Talala taluka of Junagadh district.  
  • It occupies 1412 sq. km, of which 258 sq. km is the National Park’s core area.
  • The Government notified the large geographical extent of Sasan Gir as a wildlife sanctuary on 18th September 1965 to conserve the Asiatic Lion.
  • The entire area is divided into two subdivisions called Gir East and Gir West.
  • The Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in the world where we can see the Asian Lions playing in the natural forest.
  • The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary/National Park complex is one of the seven protected areas (PA) selected for biodiversity conservation through the Eco-Development Project funded by the Global Environmental Facility and implemented by the World Bank, because of its uniqueness in having the only population of the Asiatic lion.
  • It is the only region in Asia with Asian lions and is considered one of Asia’s most valuable protected areas due to its biodiversity.
  • Amongst the other inhabitants, the Maldharies community of tribals (the Grazers) have been an integral part of Gir for the last 175 years.

Geography

  • The whole area drains to the south with seven rivers. However, the area is drought-prone but the reservoirs on these rivers, being perennial, maintain the habitat.
  • The temperature of the area varies from 10 to 45°C and rainfall from 199 to 1866 mm.

Flora

Flora Information

Vegetation typeDry deciduous forest
Important speciesTeak, Dudhlo, Khair, Ber, Desi babul, Dhavdo, Hermo, Sadad, Timru, Ashitro, Saledi, Modad, Khakhro, etc.
FormationResult of Deccan trap formation
National park in Gujarat
  • The dry deciduous forest is an outcome of Deccan trap formation and thus is capable of regeneration and recovering very quickly.
  • Some important species found here are Teak , Dudhlo, Khair, Ber, Desi babul, Dhavdo, Hermo, Sadad, Timru, Ashitro , Saledi , Modad , Khakhro etc.

Fauna

Fauna Information

Prominent speciesAsiatic lion
Unique featureThe only region in Asia with the Asian lion
Protection statusOne of the seven protected areas (PA) selected for biodiversity conservation through the Eco-Development Project funded by the Global Environmental Facility and implemented by the World Bank
Social habitsLions live and hunt in groups called “pride“, which generally consists of adult females, their cubs, plus a few males.
Morphological differencesSmaller mane, prominent belly fold, lesser body size, and body weight compared to its African counterpart
Other important speciesLeopard, Hyena, Chital, Sambar, Bule bull, Chaushinga, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Crocodile, Langur, Jackal, Fox, Mongoose, Civets, etc.
National park in Gujarat
  • The Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in the world where we can see the Asian Lions playing in the natural forest.
  • The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary/National Park complex is one of the seven protected areas (PA) selected for biodiversity conservation through the Eco-Development Project funded by the Global Environmental Facility and implemented by the World Bank
  • It is the only region in Asia with Asian lions and is considered one of Asia’s most valuable protected areas due to its biodiversity.
  • The Asiatic lion, the most majestic big cat, is a unique gift of nature. It is a brilliant animal with remarkable social habits and hunting techniques.
  • The prominent belly fold, smaller mane, lesser body size and body weight differentiates it from its African counterpart. Lions live and hunt in groups called “pride“, which generally consists of adult females, their cubs, plus a few males. 
  • Some of the important species found here are Lion (Asiatic Lion), Leopard , Hyena, Chital, Sambar, Bule bull, Chaushinga, Chinkara, Wild Boar , Crocodile, Langur, Jacka, Fox, Mongoose, Civets etc.

Blackbuck National Park

Geographic Information

LocationSaurashtra, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat, India
Type of RegionSubtropical grassland with shrubland near the western shore of the Gulf of Khambhat
TopographyFlat alluvial plain with a mosaic of croplands, saline wastelands, grazing grasslands, and marshes
Vulnerability to natural calamitiesSusceptible to droughts, floods, and cyclones
National park in Gujarat
  • Blackbuck National Park is located at latitude 21°56’N and longitude 72°10’E in the Bhal region of Saurashtra, Bhavnagar District, in Gujarat.
  • Blackbuck National Park is subtropical grassland with shrubland which and it is located near the western shore of the Gulf of Khambhat in the Bhal region of Gujarat.
  • The Bhal (literally meaning the forehead) is a flat alluvial plain made up of a mosaic of croplands, saline wastelands, grazing grasslands, and marshes.
  • The prime goals of this protected area are to conserve the most prominent surviving herds of Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra), Indian Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) and the Lesser Florican.
  • Blackbuck National Park is the only grassland preserved in the Bhal area.
  • The Blackbuck National Park and the surrounding area was private grazing land of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar and supported a unique population of Lesser Florican as early as the 1950s.

Climate

Climate Information

SeasonMonsoon
PrecipitationMaximum precipitation occurs during monsoon from June to mid-September
TemperatureDay temperatures range from 37 to 44°C and can reach up to 48°C in summer
Special weather conditionsHot winds called “loo” during summer times and dust storms, whirlwinds, dust devils, and mirages are common
National park in Gujarat
  • Maximum precipitation occurs during the monsoon, which begins during the latter half of June and continues till mid-September.
  • Day temperatures usually range between 37 to 44°C but can be as high as 48°C in summer, extending from March to mid-June.
  • Hot winds called “loo” sweep the hard-baked earth during summer times and dust storms, whirlwinds and dust devils are common.
  • Mirages form as early as 2-3 hours after sunrise and continue throughout the day into the late afternoon.

Geography

  • The Bhal region is susceptible to droughts and floods due to its topography.
  • Cyclones occasionally strike the coast of Saurashtra. During such events, the Bhal region becomes a large swamp.
  • Blackbuck National Park is at a lower elevation than its surroundings and thus remains submerged for a longer duration.

Flora

  • Inside the Blackbuck National Park, four types of habitats are found: viz.,
    • Grassland,
    • Shrubland,
    • Saline land, and
    • Tidal mudflat.
  • Grassland covers 60.9% area of the Park. There are 39 species of grass.
  • The shrubland covers 15% of the area.
  • Saline land and tidal mudflat cover about 17% area of the Park
  • Whereas 7% of the area is accounted for by roads and habitation
  • Plant growth in the region is restricted to the monsoon and early winter.
  • Crops are solely dependent on rains, as the groundwater is saline.

Fauna

  • Important animals found in the park are-
    • Blackbuck, Bluebull, Wolf, Jackal, Jungle cat, Fox etc.
  • Important Birds found in the park are-
    • Lesser Florican, Houbara Bustard, White Stork, Harriers, Sarus cranes etc.

Lets see the most famous bird of the Park the Lesser florican in detail:

Lesser Florican ( Bustards )

lesser florican
lesser florican
  • Six species of bustards (Otididae) occur in the Indian subcontinent.
  • Great Indian Bustard, the Lesser Florican and the Bengal Florican breed in India, while the Great Bustard, the Little Bustard and the Houbara are occasional or common winter migrants.
  • The Lesser Florican and the Great Indian Bustard are endemic to the Indian subcontinent. At the same time, a subspecies of the Bengal Florican is found in Cambodia and Vietnam as well.
  • All the 3 resident bustards of India are Critically Endangered.
  • The Lesser Florican is amongst the smallest bustards of the world. It is the smallest Indian member of the Family Otididae and endemic to the Indian grassland.
  • The Lesser Florican is protected under schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
  • In Saurashtra and Kutch, the Lesser Florican is called Tilor. In the Bhal area of Bhavnagar District, it is also called Dumbharo.

The remaining two National Park in Gujarat are as follow

Vansda National Park

Basic Information about Vansda National Park

AttributeInformation
LocationVasda Taluka of Dangs District, Gujarat
Total Area23.99 sq. km.
DeclarationDeclared as a National Park in 1986
Altitude110-360 meters
Unique IdentityNorthern zone of the Western Ghats in Gujarat
BiodiversityFamous for the biodiversity of flora and fauna
Commonly Found SpeciesIndian great black Woodpecker, heart-spotted Woodpecker, lesser golden-backed Woodpecker, grey hornbill, spotted munia, racket-tailed drongo, pheasant-tailed jacana
National park in Gujarat
  • Vansda National Park (VNP) is in Vasda Taluka of Dangs District and located between 20°51’16” to 21°21’22” N latitudes and 73°20’30” to 73°31’20” E longitudes. 
  • It is hilly terrain with hills of moderate altitudes from 110-360m; These hills are extensions of Sahyadri ranges. 
  • After 1986 this forest area of 23.99 sq. Km. was declared as National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • The Vansda National Park is situated in Navsari in the South Gujarat.
  • It has a unique identity because The Park along with Purna Wildlife Sanctuary represents the northern zone of the Western Ghats in Gujarat state.
  • Vansda National Park and Purna Wildlife Sanctuary together form 4.2% of the total geographical area of the Western Ghats zone represented in Gujarat
  • The Vansda National Park is famous for the biodiversity of flora and fauna. Especially for birds which have become extremely rare species but are pretty common in the Dang’s forest, such as
    • Indian great black Woodpecker,
    • heart-spotted Woodpecker,
    • lesser golden-backed Woodpecker,
    • grey hornbill,
    • spotted munia,
    • racket-tailed drongo,
    • pheasant tailed jacana

Climate

Climate Information about Vansda National Park

AttributeInformation
ClimateTropical
SeasonsMonsoon (mid-June to October), winter (October to February), summer (March to mid-June)
RainfallAverage 1000-4650mm
TemperatureMay is the hottest month with a mean daily maximum temperature of about 40°C and a mean daily minimum of about 26°C. December is the coldest month with a mean daily maximum temperature of about 25°C and a mean minimum of 16°C.
Western DisturbancesOccasional colder weather due to passing western disturbances across northern India during the cold season
National park in Gujarat
  • The climate is tropical with three distinct seasonsviz., the monsoon (mid-June to October), winter (October to February) and summer (March to mid-June).
  • The southwest monsoon is irregular and erratic. Maximum rain is experienced in July, with occasional showers from November to January and March to May.
  • The average rainfall is 1000-4650mm.
  • Temperatures begin to increase from about the latter half of February. May is the hottest month, with a mean daily maximum temperature of about 40°C and a mean daily minimum of about 26°C.
  • December is the coldest month, with a mean daily maximum temperature of about 25 C and a mean minimum of 16°C.
  • Due to Passing western disturbances across northern India during the cold season, spells of colder weather occur, and the minimum temperature occasionally drops down to about 40°C.

Flora

  • The Vansda National park contains spectacular forest where one can watch the birds of moist deciduous forests. The Park forms a contiguous tract with the forests of Dangs on its eastern side and those of the Valsad district on its southern side.
  • The forest of VNP is of southern Indian tropical moist deciduous forest type and further classified as
    • southern moist mixed deciduous forest,
    • bamboo break and
    • tropical riverine forest.
  • Towering trees and orchids form a variety of flora. There are 443 species of flowering plants viz.
    • Teak, Sadad, Bamboo, Dudhlo, Kakad, Khakhro, Buto, Timru, Umbh, Kalam, Modad, Haldu, Sisam, Chopadi bondaro, Kusum, Tanach, Asan, Mahudo, Behda, Umaro, Shimlo, Ambla etc.

Flora and Fauna Information about Vansda National Park

AttributeInformation
FloraSouthern Indian tropical moist deciduous forest type with towering trees and orchids. Teak, Sadad, Bamboo, Dudhlo, Kakad, Khakhro, Buto, Timru, Umbh, Kalam, Modad, Haldu, Sisam, Chopadi bondaro, Kusum, Tanach, Asan, Mahudo, Behda, Umaro, Shimlo, Ambla, etc.
FaunaLeopard, Rhesus macaque, Wild boar, Hanuman langur, Common palm civet, small Indian civet, Indian porcupine, Four-horned antelope, Barking deer, Hyena, Jungle cat, Flying squirrel
National park in Gujarat

Fauna

  • The high species diversity of forest birds is the main attraction.
  • Important animals found in the Park are –
    • Leopard, Rhesus macaque, Wild boar, Hanuman langur, Common palm civet, small Indian civet, Indian porcupine, Four-horned antelope, Barking deer, Hyena, Jungle cat, Flying squirrel etc.
  • Important birds- 155 species of birds:
    • Indian great black Woodpecker, yellow back sunbird, pompodour pigeon, Malabar trogon, shama, common grey hornbill, jungle babbler, forest spotted owlet (globally threatened) etc.

Marine National Park

Coastal Details of Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat

Coastal DetailsDescription
LocationNorthwestern boundary of Indian coast
CoastlineExtends up to 170 km
AreaCovers around 7300 sq. km
BiodiversityRich biodiversity, with mangroves and live corals
MangrovesSecond-largest in mainland India, after Sunderbans
Marine OrganismsPreferred zone for breeding by many marine organisms
National park in Gujarat

Gulf of Kutch

  • India is lined with a 7500 km long coastline. Among the Indian maritime states, Gujarat State has the longest coastline extending to 1600 km.
  • The Gulf of Kachchh, the fast-developing area of Gujarat, is the northwestern boundary of the Indian coast, extending to 170 km, covering an area of around 7300 sq. km.
  • It is one of the few coastal zones in the world, having a rich biodiversity.
  • The mangroves of the Gulf are the second largest after Sundarbans in the mainland of India.
  • The Gulf of Kachchh is the only place left along the Indian coast after the Gulf of Mannar, where the live corals occur, although dead corals are plenty.
  • Vast intertidal mudflats, mangroves, and corals make the Gulf of Kachchh a preferred zone for breeding by many marine organisms.

Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park

Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park Details

Marine National Park DetailsDescription
EstablishmentFirst Marine National Park and Sanctuary in India in 1982
Area457.92 sq. km declared as Marine Sanctuary and 162.89 sq. km notified as Marine National Park
ZoneIncludes reserve forests, unclassified forests, and non-forest areas
Southern PartDiverse physical conditions, many islands, and marine ecosystems
Mangrove ForestsDense mangrove forests characterise the islands and coast
Island NamesPoshitra, Pirotan, Karubhar, and Narara
National park in Gujarat
  • Gulf of Kutch was the first Marine National Park, and Sanctuary (MNPS) established in India in the year 1982 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • The Gulf area was declared as a Sanctuary and Marine National Park in 1982.
  • An area of 457.92 sq. km was declared as Marine Sanctuary, and 162.89 sq.km. was notified as Marine National Park.
  • National Park and Sanctuary zone include
    • reserve forests, 
    • unclassified forests (Notified under Sec.4 of IFA, 1927) and 
    • non-forest areas. 
  • The area mentioned under National Park, Sanctuary, Reserve Forests and unclassified Forests is scattered and mostly having no proper specific boundary.
  • The southern part of the Gulf has diverse physical conditions with many islands and marine ecosystems. More than 40 islands of the southern part are full of live corals requiring protection.
  • Dense mangrove forests characterise the islands and coast.
  • The area under mangrove cover along the Gujarat coast is the second-largest (next to the Sunderbans) along the Indian coast, and the Gulf of Kachchh accounts for 93% of Gujarat mangroves. Several locations along the coastline in the Gulf of Kachchh are fringed with the growth of mangroves.
  • At present, the mangrove coverage is in the form of discontinuous and patchy vegetation.

Some famous islands

Poshitra, Pirotan, Karubhar and Narara

Flora

The major species found in Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park are:

  • Six species of mangroves,
  • several species of herbs, grasses and shrubs and
  • 120 species of algae.

Flora and Fauna of Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park

Flora and FaunaDescription
FloraSix species of mangroves, several species of herbs, grasses, and shrubs, and 120 species of algae
FaunaColourful sponges and corals, sea anemones, jellyfishes, sea horses, octopus, pearl oyster, Sabela, Portuguese-man-of-war, starfish, Bonellia, Sepia, lobster, crabs, prawns, sea turtles, dolphin (Delphinus delphis), dugong, porpoise, and shark
National park in Gujarat

Fauna

Colourful sponges and corals including 42 hard coral and ten soft Coral species, Sea anemones, Jellyfishes, Sea horse, Octopus, Pearl oyster, Sabela, Portuguese- man-of-war, Starfish, Bonellia, Sepia, Lobster, Crabs, Prawns, Sea turtles, Dolphin (Delphinus delphis), Dugong, Porpoise, Shark.

Mangrove

  • The mangroves are halophytic species that grows in saline soils in the coastal areas spread along the shores. 
  • The mangroves are hardy species means they know how to survive in adverse conditions. Mangroves have adapted to loose and wet soils and periodic submergence in saline water. They survive under challenging high salinity conditions, low oxygen and low nutrient availability in the soil, wind and wave action and substrate instability.
  • Mangroves play a crucial role in marine life conservation as mangrove swamps are considered nursery and shelter grounds for prawns, fishes, birds, and a host of other marine life.
  • The fringe mangroves function as a stabiliser of sediments and protect shoreland from erosion.
  • The thick cover of mangroves trap silts and protect coral reefs from destruction by excessive sedimentation.

This conclude the article about National Park in Gujarat. More detail about Gujarat can be found on forest department website of Gujarat.

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