The Gir forest can be classified as a mix of dry deciduous and very dry teak forests. The forest is an important biological research area with considerable scientific, educational, aesthetic, recreational and most of all economic values. It provides nearly 5 million kgs. of green grass by annual harvesting, which is valued approximately at Rs. 50 crores (Rs. 500,000,000) (US$ 10 million). The forest provides nearly 15,000 metric tons worth of fuel wood annually. Hopefully that is reason enough, along with the various environmental services the forests provides us with, to protect them.

The tag of a dry land doesn't deprive Gir of life, it is full of survivors. The star is definitely the male Lion - best bet is to step out early morning when the loners, pairs  or the pride are on patrol, they do not perceive humans as a threat, so its quite possible to sight them at close quarters. The 38 species of mammals' list also includes mongoose, chowsingha and nilgai, which are commonly seen. Its more elusive inhabitants include the leopard (more than 200), spotted hyena and the jungle cat. Also found here are the star tortoise and monitor lizard. Gir is also a place to view the marsh crocodile, their numbers are close to a thousand.

More than 300 species of birds have been listed from Gir, including raptors such as ospreys, perigrine falcons, fish owls, crested serpent eagles, bonelli's eagles, goshawks and Montagu's Harriers. Water birds include redshanks, jacanas, plovers, marsh sandpipers, ruddy shelduck, spotbills, shovellers, nakta, little grebes, lesser whistling teal, ibis and painted storks. Other avians that might keep birdwatchers busy are wrynecks, nightjars, pygmy woodpeckers, Indian pittas, shrikes, drongos, barbets, Indian rollers, grey partridge, jungle bush quail, painted sandgrouse, Ggeen pigeons, paradise flycatchers, bush larks, bee eaters, minivets and warblers.