Asiatic lion numbers rise from 674 to 891 in India, says Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav

Asiatic Lion

The growl of Gujarat's Asiatic lions is getting louder and further. Fresh census findings indicate the regal big cats are on the rise, expanding beyond their original habitat. This increase brings optimism for the species' future and demonstrates nature's strength.

On Wednesday, officials made the announcement that Gujarat's Asiatic lion strength has risen to 891 from 674 five years before. This rise of 217 lions is considerable. More importantly, the lions are no longer limited to the Gir National Park. They now traverse 11 districts in the region of Saurashtra. These are both forest and non-forest areas, even finding their way to coastal areas.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel informed the media of the optimistic news, pointing out the increased lion population. The June 2020 census had shown 674 lions, all primarily in the Gir region. Gujarat Forest Department's new estimates have put the numbers at 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs.

With the increase in lion numbers, their range has also increased. Confined to Gir National Park in Junagadh and Amreli districts earlier, lions can now be found in a broader region. There are reports of sightings of lions by officials in sanctuaries such as Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar, and Barda, as well as non-forest and coastal areas. Barda Sanctuary, 15 km from Porbandar, had 17 lions alone.

The biggest pride seen consisted of 17 lions in Bhavnagar district. In total, 384 lions were within Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and 507 outside its limits, Jaipal Singh, principal chief conservator of forests, said.

The 16th lion census was conducted for four days, from May 10 to May 13. It spanned 35,000 square kilometres over 58 talukas in 11 districts. About 3,000 volunteers assisted in two phases of enumeration. They were forest officials, enumerators, and other personnel.

The census employed a technique known as 'direct beat verification' to ensure accuracy. This method has virtually zero margin of error, owing to statistical validation and real-life application. Volunteers recorded information such as time, direction of movement, sex, age, distinctive body marks, and GPS coordinates. Advanced technology like camera traps, high-definition cameras, and radio collars was also used for identification.

The areas where lions were spotted are Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar, and Botad. The state forest department holds the count every five years to keep track of and secure the Asiatic lion population.

This growing lion population is a welcome sign for conservation. It reminds us of how gentle guarding can make wildlife thrive, even in shifting landscapes.