ITANAGAR, Apr 11: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.), participated in a Lion Safari at the renowned Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, the only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion in the world, on Thursday. The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion in the world. The Gir Safari offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness these majestic big cats in their natural surroundings, making it one of India's most iconic wildlife experiences.
During his visit, the Governor, an ardent environmentalist and strong advocate of biodiversity conservation, closely observed the ecological practices and conservation efforts being implemented in the park.
Interacting with forest officials, the Governor took a keen interest in the park’s management strategies and expressed the intention to emulate successful models in Arunachal Pradesh’s wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. He noted that wildlife safaris play a vital role in raising awareness about endangered species, preserving habitats, and promoting human-wildlife coexistence.
The Governor said that safaris serve not only as educational platforms but also contribute to valuable ecological research, while acknowledging the role of naturalist briefings, interpretation centers, and data-driven monitoring of wildlife populations and migratory behaviour.
Drawing parallels with the Northeast, he highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s own ecological treasures, referencing the sightings of Siberian Cranes in West Kameng and Tawang Districts, and emphasized the importance of collaborative conservation efforts across states.
The Governor further stressed that safaris encourage local community involvement in conservation efforts. He said that by training locals as guides, hospitality staff, and artisans, such initiatives provide sustainable livelihoods and foster a shared sense of responsibility toward biodiversity.
The visit underscored the importance of interstate learning and ecological cooperation in preserving India’s rich natural heritage.