People mostly link Gir with “Maldharis” who have survived through the ages by having symbiotic relationship with the lion.  

• They are religious pastoral communities living in Gir. Their settlements are called “nesses”.  
• At present, Gir forests of Gujarat (India) are the only place where this race of lions i.e. Asiatic lion is found in its natural habitat. 

Source: https://forests.gujarat.gov.in/gir-nat-park.htm