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May 29, 2012 | Gir Sanctuary authorities construct water ponds for animals | Veraval (Gujarat): Authorities in the Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat , which houses the largest
number of Asiatic Lions, have constructed artificial water ponds for animals,
as they often stray out towards human habitation in search of water to seek relief
from the intense heat. With the mercury soaring each passing day and natural water
sources drying up, the forest authorities have constructed water ponds, which
are filled periodically by tractor-driven tankers for the animals to quench their
thirst. Babra Range Forest Officer R D Vansh said the ponds are filled with water
twice a day. “The babra vidi falls under the Veraval range of the Junagadh district
of Gujarat Forest Department. Total 14 lions are present in the babra vidi, out
of which three are females, three are males and eight are cubs. Other then these
50-60 are spotted deer and 108 are blue bull. The forest department has constructed
three artificial ponds for these animals, which are filled with water twice in
a day,” said Vansh. However, such instances of wild animals entering into human
populated regions are quite common because of human encroachments on animal habitats,
which restrict their movement leading to man-animal conflict. Established in 1965,
the Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir,
is the sole home of the majestic Asiatic Lions. Covering a total area of 1412
kilometres, about 258 kilometres for the fully protected area (the National Park)
and 1153 kilometres for the Sanctuary, the area is considered to be one of the
most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. Seven rivers
that pass through Gir namely Hiran, Saraswati, Datardi, Shingoda, Machhundri,
Ghodavadi, and Raval have started drying up. Less than 250 watering points are
presently available for lions, leopards, ungulates, including spotted deer, Sambar,
Nilgai, Chinkara, antelope, and wild boar. Besides, Gir harbours around thousand
species of birds and 26 species of reptiles.
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