Impact of Livelihood Practices of Maldhari Tribe on Wildlife Habitat of Gir Protected Area

Gir National Park and Sanctuary is devoted to the Conservation of the Asiatic Lion and as a result of protection measures, now it also maintains a riclibio-diversity of flora and fauna. The Sanctuary still has a sizeable population of Maldharies although a considerable number of their families was shifted elsewhere during the project period. Formerly the Maldharies traded in ghee, but now they have taken to milk selling obtained from cattle maintained and grazed by them inside the Parle. They also sell dung mixed with soil as manure. The study analyzes the impact of this change of livelihood practice by Maldharies. The study shows that owing to increase in cattle and human population, as well as change in the mode of earning livelihood by Maldharies there has been considerable degradation in this habitat. It is significant within 1km radius from their Nesses. Regeneration in 2km and 4km distance is 30% and less than 19% respectively. The increase has also affected milk production and cattle holding per family.