India’s lion population roars, highlighting successful conservation in Gujarat’s Gir sanctuary
Hunting and encroachment reduced the Asiatic lion population to just 20 by 1913, but they now thrive in Gujarat’s Gir wildlife sanctuary with nearly 900 big cats
India’s Asiatic lion population has increased by over a third to 891, according to a five-yearly census released on Wednesday, boosting efforts to conserve the vulnerable species.
The Asiatic lion – which historically once roamed from the Middle East to India – is now reduced to an isolated population in a wildlife sanctuary in India’s western state of Gujarat.
“The Asiatic lion population, which was 304 in 1995, has increased steadily over the past three decades,” Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel told reporters. “In 2020 it was 674, which has now increased to 891.”
The majestic big cats are slightly smaller than their African cousins, and have a fold of skin along their bellies.
Hunting and human encroachment caused the population to plunge to just 20 by 1913, and the lions are now found only in Gujarat’s sprawling Gir wildlife sanctuary, where they roam dry deciduous forests and open grasslands.
Following years of concerted government efforts, the lion population is steadily rising.
The latest counting exercise, spread over four days, covered more than 35,000 square km (13,513 square miles) across 11 districts in the state.