Most of the tourists explore the sanctuary in search of Asiatic Lions. The lions, a smaller more compact version of their African cousins are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. Gir has also leopards and numerous chital, nilgai, chinkara, the four horned antelope and wild boar. Marsh crocodiles are often seen at kamleshwar dam & farm developed in the forest.
The forest is rich in bird life and the paradise flycatcher, black headed cuckoo shrike, pied woodpecker, Bonelli's eagle, crested serpant eagle, painted sandgrouse, bush quail and grey partridge are among the variety that is found here.