The story to date: The Gujarat Forest Department this week launched outcomes from the sixteenth Lion Population Estimation, popularly referred to as the ‘lion census.’ This was the primary such census since 2020.
What are its key findings?
India’s wild lion population, all of which is concentrated in Gujarat, has risen by 32% from 2020-25, with 891 lions reported within the newest survey. The variety of grownup females — an indicator of future development — rose 27% to 330 people. While the guts of the lion population continues to be Gir, the present population estimate contains new satellite tv for pc populations. They have been noticed at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetpur and adjoining areas, Babra-Jasdan and adjoining areas, rising the entire variety of Asiatic lions in satellite tv for pc populations to 497 throughout 9 such areas. The lion population has elevated by 70.36% up to now decade (523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025), whereas the realm of distribution has elevated by 59.09%, the report famous.
Amreli district reported the best population of 339 lions. This was adopted by the Gir-Somnath district area (222 lions) and Junagadh (191 lions).
How has the spatial protection of lions grown?
From 1995 to 2001, the realm the place lions are current expanded from 10,000 sq. km to 12,000 sq km, marking a 20% enhance. By 2005, it reached 13,000 sq. km, displaying an 8.3% rise over the earlier estimate. A extra substantial enlargement occurred between 2005 and 2010, with the realm growing to twenty,000 sq. km, a rise of 53.8%. In 2015, the unfold rose additional to 22,000 sq. km, a 10% enhance. From 2015 to 2020, the vary prolonged to 30,000 sq. km, reflecting a 36.4% development. Finally, by 2025, the realm reached 35,000 sq. km, registering a 16.67% enhance over the 2020 determine. This progressive enlargement demonstrates constant vary development and is attributed to conservation efforts and pure lion dispersal. From 1990 to 2025, the realm has grown about five-fold whereas the lion population has grown about three-fold.
How are lions counted?
The newest survey was undertaken from May 10-13, 2025. The estimation spanned roughly 35,000 sq km, masking 11 districts and 58 tehsils. The area was divided into 735 sampling items and every sampling unit had an enumerator and two assistants, guaranteeing thorough survey and information assortment. “Observations of direct sightings were recorded in the prescribed forms, including the characteristics of each individual. Digital cameras were used to capture photographs to aid individual identification. The cross-verification with adjacent sampling units, sub-zones, zones, and regions helped ensure accuracy and remove the duplication,” the report famous. To enhance transparency and credibility, specialists from numerous fields, members of the State board for wildlife, and people skilled in group dynamics and delight behaviour had been invited as unbiased observers. The estimation train concerned 3,254 folks, the report famous.
Can the lion population develop unabated?
The development in lion numbers, whereas a optimistic signal as far as conservation goes, has its personal challenges. For one, the rise in lion presence in areas exterior the core zone — a phenomenon noticed since over a decade and a half now — is a worry. This means lions are current in locations with human settlements, which can result in extra animal-human conflicts inflicting financial losses for these dwelling in shut proximity to the lions. It has been established over a long time that lions are growing in Gujarat not solely as a result of conservation efforts by the Gujarat authorities, such as guaranteeing ample prey like wild boars, but in addition the “tolerance” exhibited by resident communities just like the pastoral Maldharis in the direction of the animals. Over the years, they’ve proven that they’re accustomed to lions preying on their cattle, although such losses are compensated for by the federal government. However, specialists such as Y.V. Jhala, former Dean, Wildlife Institute of India, have mentioned that whereas Gujarat can host as much as 2,000 lions, it is important that they dwell in pristine areas, with ideally no human presence.
What are future plans for lion conservation?
Earlier this yr, Prime Minister Narendra Modi authorized a ‘Project Lion’ conservation programme price ₹2,927 crore. The first step beneath this is to develop the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary inside Gujarat which already hosts a substantial population of 17 lions. Other plans embrace involving communities in tourism and creating better incentives for conservation.
Published – May 25, 2025 01:51 am IST
