Gujarat is a paradise for bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Deciduous forests, desert plains, grasslands, wetlands and coastal and marine locations have made Gujarat one of the most pleasant places for bird watching and wildlife viewing. The last Asiatic lions are found in the Gir National Park; in the Rann of Kutch are the only surviving wild asses in India and the Velavadar National Park conserves the rare, swift footed blackbuck. The Rann is also the only nesting ground in India of the large flamingo. Throughout most of the state there is a naturally rich bird life, peacocks and parrots are the most common. Migratory birds from North Eurasia find Gujarat a pleasant winter resting ground. With its long coastline, Gujarat enjoys the good fishing waters. Pomfret, a favourite in restaurants throughout the country is caught here, as are prawns, tuna and Bombay duck which is salted and dried fish. There are about four national parks and twenty one wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat. Some of the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Gujarat are the Marine National Park, Gir National Park, Indian Wild Ass Wildlife sanctuary, Velavadar National Park. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Khijadia Bird Sanctuary and the Porbandar Bird sanctuary are the other bird sanctuaries in Gujarat.

Some extremely rare wildlife dwells in Gujarat. The Asiatic Lion is found only in Gir. The Wild Ass in the Rann of Kutch, the rare great Indian bustard in the bird reserves, the world's only four-horned antelope and the Black Buck are some other valued species protected in Gujarat. Wild Life in Gujarat is not restricted to National Parks and Sanctuaries as resident and migratory birds’ frequent ponds, lakes and riversides in Gujarat cities. Peacocks, jackals, Saras cranes, woodland birds and many more flock gardens, parks and across places. Wild Life is a preserved and protected in Gujarat. In Gujarat, the Forest Department educates the common man in the field of wildlife conservation and environmental awareness. Steps are taken to educate Approaches to Conservation Strategy in Gujarat by way of Seminars, Training, tours and nature lover’s clubs.

Gujarat boasts of a rich flora and fauna. It has varied landforms, ranging from dry deciduous forests to majestic grasslands, wetlands, marine ecosystems and rich moist deciduous forests. This has made the state suitable as the habitat of rare wildlife species. Asiatic Lion, Wild Ass, Black Buck, Four-horned Antelope and Great Indian Bustard are some of the rare species preserved by the various wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat. These rare animals constitute the wildlife heritage of India. Therefore, the national parks in Gujarat are trying their best to save these creatures from the threat of extinction.

Wildlife in Gujarat includes animals like the leopard, wild cat, hyena and jackal, the rare Asiatic lions, wild ass, black buck, sambar, sloth beer, and a substantial number of avian life .But the main attraction of the place centers around the Asiatic lions of the Gir national park. This majestic animal runs the risk of being totally obliterated from the face of this earth, if right measures are not taken to protect it.

The Wildlife Safaris is another aspect of Wildlife in Gujarat. If you are traveling in Gujarat and have an adventurous bent of mind, then you can go for a jeep safari in some of the Wildlife Sanctuaries of Gujarat. But for that you have to take special permit from the concerned authorities. As mentioned above, Gujarat is rich in avian life too. Make your camera do the talking while you enjoy the call of the wild.

Flora and Fauna

Flora and fauna of Gujarat is quite varied because of high variations in climate and topography. Rann of Kachch only has shrubs and plants like cactus that thrive in the harsh climate of desert. The land is fertile, beautiful and prosperous on the coastline from Kutch in the West to Daman in South, the hill line from Aravali in the East to the Western hills with lush green forests, large and small rivers as well the plains in the middle.

National Parks in Gujarat

• Gir National Park
• Marine National Park
• Blackbuck National Park
• Vansda National Park

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Gujarat

• Wild Ass Sanctuary
• Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
• Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary
• Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Thol Wildlife Sanctuary
• Porbandar Bird Sanctuary
• Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary