Asiatic lion population: From 19 to 891 — how Gir brought back Gujarat's 'lost' pride

Asiatic Lion

Gujarat’s pride – the Asiatic lion – has made yet another roaring comeback, with its population rising to 891 from 674 in just five years, according to the 2024 lion census released by the state government. This marks the highest count of the endangered species in modern history and underscores over a century of conservation efforts in the Gir forests – the only home to these big cats in all of Asia.

As per PTI, the four-day census, conducted from May 10 to 13 across 35,000 sq km and 58 talukas, involved more than 3,000 personnel including forest officers, enumerators and volunteers, the Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced on Wednesday. The 11 districts that now host these regal animals include Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Porbandar and others in the Saurashtra region.

How did Gir become the last bastion of the Asiatic lion?

The story of the Asiatic lion’s survival is as dramatic as its majestic presence. Native to the forests of India and the Middle East centuries ago, the species had been pushed to the brink of extinction by the early 20th century. By 1910, their number had plummeted to just 19, all found in Gir, as per ETV Bharat.

It was the Nawab of Junagadh, Rasool Khan, who put a decisive end to lion hunting and laid the foundation for their revival. In a now-fabled moment, he famously refused Lord Curzon’s request to hunt lions during the latter’s visit to Junagadh, citing a strict ban on hunting in Gir. This marked the start of a localised conservation campaign that would later be institutionalised.

“The population in 1910-11 stood at 19 only, but by the 2020 census it had grown to 674,” Dr D T Vasavada, former Chief Conservator of Forests, who supervised the 2020 census and continues to be involved in conservation efforts, was quoted by ETV Bharat. These early steps laid the groundwork for what would become one of India’s most successful wildlife conservation stories.

How has the habitat expanded beyond Gir over the years?

Over the decades, what began as a protected core area in Gir has now expanded dramatically. In 1990, 284 lions roamed within 300 sq km. By 2020, the lion population had spread across nearly 30,000 sq km in nine districts. Today, lions are not just confined to Gir and Junagadh, but can also be found in Porbandar, Amreli, Bhavnagar and beyond.

Technology has become a vital component in safeguarding the Asiatic lions, with the use of radio collars, GPS trackers and CCTV surveillance allowing forest officials to monitor their movements more efficiently. The presence of dedicated rescue teams has also significantly improved response times during emergencies. “Earlier, we didn’t have rescue teams. Now if a lion falls into a well or a ditch, we’re able to reach in time and save it,” said Assistant Conservator of Forests S D Tilala, as quoted by ETV Bharat.

How have communities and tourism helped lion conservation?

A unique feature of the Gir model has been its community-based approach. The Maldhari tribal herders, who live within the sanctuary, are not just cohabitants but active participants in the protection of lions. Their traditional bond with the animals has helped build a relationship of mutual respect and survival.

Tourism has also reportedly played a crucial role in conservation. Since 1965, when visitors began flocking to Sasan Gir, the region has seen a steady increase in tourist numbers, now reaching around 800,000 annually. Safaris in Gir, Devaliya, Ambardi and Girnar generate over Rs 11 crore in revenue annually, much of which is channelled back into lion care and habitat management.

What challenges still threaten Asiatic lions?
Despite the promising numbers, challenges remain. Officials say that approximately 120 lions die each year, largely due to age, illness or accidents. That said, the population continues to grow by an average of 20–30 per cent every five years, aided by breeding centres and better habitat protection.

The latest figures are not just numbers; they are a testament to how sustained conservation, empowered local communities and scientific approaches can make a near-miraculous recovery possible.