Gir forest to remain close during monsoon

The Gir National Park will remain close from today for next three months, forest officials said.
Located at Sasan in Junagadh district, the forest is abode of 411 Asiatic lions.
Deputy Conservator Gir National Park Sandeep Kumar told PTI today, "The sanctuary will be closed from today during monsoon season and will be open for tourists after September 30. It will remain close for mating and breeding of mammals like lions, leopards and also for birds like peacocks, grey francolin, quail etc, as monsoon season is considered best for mating," he said.
Last year, nearly 4.80 lakh tourists visited the sanctuary spread in 1,412 square kms area, famous for its Asiatic lions.

"Since we supervise the conservation efforts, we want to prevent any disturbance, which could also be caused by tourists during the breeding period," Kumar said adding forest authorities also monitor movement of wild animals during rains and also make rescue plan in case of heavy rains.