Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

Overview: The Ancient Volcanic Bastion of Saurashtra

Rising dramatically as an isolated circular volcanic massif above the coastal agricultural plains of southwestern Saurashtra across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary covers 192.31 square kilometers of rugged hills, rocky ravines, and dry deciduous thorn jungle.

Established in February 1979 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, the sanctuary encompasses the historic royal hunting preserves (*Rakhals*) of the former princely states of Porbandar and Jamnagar. The massif is dominated by two prominent mountain summits: **Abhapara Hill**, which reaches 637 meters above sea level as the highest point in the range, and **Venu Peak** at 620 meters.

The defining ecological destiny of Barda Sanctuary is its formal establishment as the **Second Natural Home for the Asiatic Lion** (Panthera leo persica). Because the entire global wild population of the Asiatic Lion is currently concentrated in the Gir landscape, establishing an independent, genetically viable breeding sub-population in Barda (located approximately 100 km west of Gir) is a paramount national conservation priority to safeguard the species against potential catastrophic epidemics.

Project Lion: The Barda Translocation & Habitat Restoration

Historically, lions roamed the Barda Hills until the late 19th century before local extirpation. In recent years, the Gujarat Forest Department has executed a comprehensive habitat and prey-base restoration plan:

Key Phases of the Barda Lion Restoration Initiative

Restoration Phase	Key Interventions Undertaken	Conservation Impact
Prey-Base Augmentation	Establishment of a 400-hectare herbivore breeding center at Barda; release of over 1,000 Spotted Deer (Chital) and Sambars.	Restores natural ungulate prey density required to sustain resident lion prides without livestock predation.
Hydrological Security	Desiltation of Khambala Dam and Fareda Dam; creation of 35 perennial earthen water check-dams.	Guarantees year-round drinking water across all core valleys during severe summer droughts.
Maldhari Settlement & Fencing	Voluntary relocation of traditional pastoralist settlements (nesses) and solar-powered perimeter fencing.	Creates an inviolate core zone while minimizing human-carnivore conflict along the forest periphery.
Natural Lion Dispersal (2023–Present)	Young male lions from the Gir-Somnath / Porbandar coastal corridor naturally dispersed and established territory in Barda.	Validates the natural ecological suitability and corridor connectivity of the Barda massif.

In early 2023, wildlife history was made when an adult male Asiatic Lion naturally navigated through coastal scrub and riverine corridors from the Greater Gir landscape and settled inside Barda Sanctuary, marking the species' first documented presence in the massif in over 140 years.

Geomorphology, Forest Flora & Reservoirs

The Barda Hills represent an ancient ring-dike volcanic intrusion consisting of granophyres, diorites, and basaltic lava sheets. The sanctuary features two scenic historical reservoirs constructed during princely rule: Khambala Dam in the south and Fareda Dam in the north.

Canopy Vegetation: Mixed Dry Deciduous Forest dominated by Gorad (Acacia senegal), Babul (Acacia nilotica), Dhavda (Anogeissus latifolia), Khair, and Ber (Ziziphus).
Medicinal Hill Flora: Over 650 plant species thrive across the altitudinal gradients of Abhapara, including rare wild medicinal shrubs like Guggal and wild asparagus.
Riparian Corridors: Shaded ravine streams flowing into Khambala reservoir nourish dense groves of Jamun (Syzygium cumini) and wild date palms.

Faunal Assemblages & Apex Carnivores

In addition to dispersing Asiatic lions, Barda sustains a vibrant guild of native wildlife:

Asiatic Lion

Panthera leo persica • Endangered

The majestic apex predator of Gujarat, naturally reclaiming territory in the Barda hills as part of the historic second home conservation project.

Indian Leopard

Panthera pardus • Co-Apex Predator

Thrives in large numbers across the rocky boulder caves of Abhapara and Venu peaks, hunting chital and wild boar along ravine trails.

Chital (Spotted Deer)

Axis axis • Reintroduced Herbivore

Reintroduced in large breeding herds across the grassy glades surrounding Khambala Dam, forming the primary prey base for big cats.

Spotted Eagle

Clanga clanga • Vulnerable Winter Raptor

Soars high over the Barda hill crests and perches near reservoir shallows to hunt waterbirds and small desert rodents.

Striped Hyena

Hyaena hyaena • Scavenger Guild

Dens in natural basalt rock cavities along the base of Venu Peak, patrolling dry riverbeds at night for ungulate carcasses.

Sambar Deer

Rusa unicolor • Woodland Herbivore

Large forest deer inhabiting the dense, moist ravines around Fareda Dam, feeding on fallen leaves and wild forest fruits.

Pastoral Traditions & The Maldhari Community

The cultural history of the Barda Hills is closely linked with the **Maldharis**, traditional semi-nomadic pastoralists renowned for breeding indigenous Gir cattle and Jafrabadi buffaloes.

Their circular thatched settlements (*nesses*) dotted the valleys for centuries. Through progressive conservation dialogues, Maldhari families are transitioning into sustainable dairy cooperatives and eco-tourism guides, creating harmonious coexistence around the newly established lion sanctuary.

Visitor Experience, Trekking & Exploration

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary offers an untamed, off-the-beaten-path wilderness experience:

Visiting Guidelines & Practical Details

Best Visiting Months: November through March. Post-monsoon (October–December) offers crystal-clear hill streams and lush green mountain valleys.
Primary Forest Gateways: Ranavav Check-post (Porbandar side) and Bileshwer Gate (Devbhumi Dwarka side).
Trekking Highlights: Guided day treks to Abhapara Peak (637m) and the scenic viewpoint at Khambala Dam provide sweeping vistas over the Arabian Sea coast.
Eco-Guidelines: As lion movement increases, trekking is permitted strictly along marked routes accompanied by official Forest Department trackers.

How to Reach Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

Barda is situated close to the coastal highway and railway mainline of western Saurashtra:

Gateway Transit Routes

From Porbandar (District HQ): Approx. 18 to 22 km northeast via Ranavav along NH-27 (approx. 30 minutes by car).
From Jamnagar: Approx. 95 km south via Kalavad or Bhanvad.
By Train: Ranavav Railway Station (RWO) (~12 km) and Porbandar Railway Station (PBR) (~20 km) provide regular broad-gauge trains.
Nearest Airport: Porbandar Domestic Airport (PBD) (~20 km) and Rajkot International Airport (HSR) (~170 km).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barda Wildlife Sanctuary?

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is a 192.31 sq km protected volcanic hill reserve in Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, Gujarat, famous as the designated second natural home for the endangered Asiatic Lion.

Why is Barda chosen as the second home for Asiatic Lions?

Barda was chosen because it was historically part of the lion's natural range, possesses suitable volcanic hill and dry deciduous habitat, and provides vital ecological separation from Gir to protect the species from disease epidemics.

What is the highest peak in Barda Sanctuary?

The highest peak in Barda is Abhapara Hill, which rises 637 meters above sea level, followed by Venu Peak at 620 meters.

How far is Barda Sanctuary from Porbandar?

The sanctuary is located approximately 18 to 22 kilometers northeast of Porbandar city, reachable in about 30 minutes via Ranavav.