Gir is one of the largest compact dry deciduous forest and the only abode of the Asiatic lion; in the world. Over the years, Gir has become a very stable ecosystem with tremendous regenerating, self supporting and self sustaining capacity. It supports a rich biodiversity comprising of about 500 recorded flowering plants species, 36 species of mammal, 35 species of reptiles, about 300 species of birds and more than 2000 species of insects. It also harbours a variety of endangered and threatened species and provides breeding ground for many migratory and resident birds. Gir ecosystem forms catchment of important rivers like Shetrunji, Hiran, Shingoda, Machhundri, Raval and Datardi. The dense forest cover over a large tract also exert significant moderating effect on the climate in the region. It also helps in reducing salinity on the southern coast of Saurashtra. Gir is thus, a boon to farmers, enriching the perpheral environs by ensuring sustained agricultural and horticultural production.
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