The last home of the Asiatic Lion, Sasan Gir, or Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, in Gujarat, is renowned worldwide for its conservation success story of the majestic, large cat.

Once considered a subspecies of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo), the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is protected as a Schedule I animal under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and is categorised as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Back from the brink of extinction, the latest census puts the Asiatic Lion count at 674 (a 29 per cent increase from the last census five years ago in 2015). As per the Gujarat Forest Department, the distribution range of the big cat has also increased from 22,000sq.km. to 30,000sq.km., covering nine districts in Saurashtra, Gujarat.

The dry deciduous forests of Gir are also home to a dense population of Indian Leopards and a rich assemblage of prey—Chital, Sambar, Chousingha and Chinkara. Ornithologist Dr Salim Ali believed that if not for the Asiatic Lion, Gir would have been known as one of the most fascinating bird sanctuaries in the country. More than 300 avian species have been recorded so far from the region.

Obsessed with capturing the 'King of the Jungle' on camera, I have spent countless hours in these five PAs—Gir National Park, Gir Sanctuary, Pania Sanctuary, Mitiyala Sanctuary and Girnar Sanctuary—presently managed as Asiatic Lion habitats. Here is a glimpse into the semi-arid wilderness of Gir and the life of the Asiatic Lion and its countless other residents.

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Spread over 1412sq.km., the core area of Gir is about 300sq.km. Apart from the mighty lions, people also visit Gir to sight leopards, critically endangered raptors like the Long-billed and White-backed Vultures, several species of reptiles, and other large mammals like the Blue Bull and Spotted Deer.
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Slightly smaller than African lions, Asiatic Lions weigh anywhere between 120-160kg depending on the sex. Once found throughout West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and other parts of central India, Asiatic Lions are now only seen in and around the protected areas of Gir.
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The only big cats to live in family units, lions form prides that consist of two or three males, several females and cubs. Young females continue to stay with the group as they age while the males leave to establish their own prides.
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The reproductive cycles of lionesses are irregular. But when ready to mate, the female is usually fertile for 3 or 4 days. During this period, she will mate with one of the male lions in the pride. Copulation can occur as often as once every half hour and about 50 times a day to ensure ovulation and parentage. The gestation period for lions is about 108 days, after which the female gives birth to about two to four cubs.
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Cubs are born with spots that disappear as they grow older. Did you know that mothers keep the cubs hidden for about six weeks? 
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Once the cubs are capable of following the pride around, the mother introduces them to the group. All the females in a pride help raise the cubs. They also teach them hunting skills.
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Gir National Park is also home to the Indian Leopard. Masterful climbers, leopards usually spend their day hidden among the trees or within caves. Not only are they skilled climbers, they can also jump from one tree to another to navigate their way through the forest or to attack unsuspecting prey.
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Although Jungle Cats prefer regions with dense vegetation near water bodies, they can adapt to a range of habitats, including the dry deciduous forest in Gir. Jungle Cats are further divided into ten subspecies, of which four are present in India and one across southeast Asia.
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The Nilgai or Blue Bull is the largest of Asian antelopes and is a common sight across the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. Nilgai calves spend the first month hidden from the world, after which they start accompanying their mother. Here is a lactating Nilgai mother and her calf.
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Spotted Deer can reside in heavily forested areas as well as regions with sparse vegetation. They feed on grass, leaves, herbs, fruits and flowers. In Gir, they form an important prey base for the Asiatic Lion.
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The preferred habitats for peafowls are open deciduous forests, scrublands and agricultural lands. They are mainly ground-dwelling birds, and are found in urban gardens too. They can also be seen perched on trees. Peafowls are one of the largest flying birds with a wingspan of about 5 feet!
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Frequently found in woodlands and wooded gardens, the Indian Scops Owl is a nocturnal species. They build nests in tree holes and often hide in them or on tree branches. Owing to their bark-like plumage, they are difficult to spot.
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Crested Hawk-Eagles can be identified by their streaked white and brown body, broad wings and their prominent crest. They inhabit broad-leaf deciduous forests and open well-wooded regions.
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The broad-gauge railway track that connects Surendranagar to Pipavav, one of the largest ports in Gujarat, passes through the Gir National Park. In December 2018, three Asiatic Lions were mowed down by a goods train headed to the port. Lion deaths on railway tracks are not commonly reported, but it is a matter of concern for this species as well. Linear intrusion and other developmental projects cutting through their habitats are forcing the felids to move around, looking for more space.
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Did you know that about half of the country's lions live outside protected areas? With the increase in awareness and conservation efforts, lion populations have improved in the country. Reduction of prey base has also led to more livestock attacks, as seen by the increase in livestock depredation in rural areas in the Saurashtra region in a study by the Wildlife Institute of India. The research also revealed that Gir’s protected areas have a reasonable ungulate population, emphasising the importance of maintaining healthy prey populations for lions to thrive and to reduce incidents of human-lion conflicts.