India's lion population rises by a third
The Asiatic lion is now reduced to an isolated population in a wildlife sanctuary in India's western state of Gujarat. - Photo: EPA-EFE
AHMEDABAD, (India): India's Asiatic lion population has increased by over a third to 891, according to a five-yearly census released on Wednesday (May 21), 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 over 35,000 sq km across 11 districts in the state.
Priyavrat Gadhvi, a former member of the state wildlife board, said the increase indicated a successful conservation programme.
'Another important factor here is the political will and support of the local people living near the forest areas,' Gadhvi said. 'They, together, have helped in conservation of the species.'
But while numbers are rising, the conservation organisation World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) warns that the Asiatic lion faces a 'threat of genetic inbreeding arising from a single population in one place'.
Lions are a source of pride for India, particularly in Gujarat's Saurashtra region, where man and beast coexist.
A cattle-rearing tribe lives among the animals in the sanctuary, and it is not uncommon to see a pride of lions crossing a highway in the region as motorists wait and watch.
Lions are also a major tourist attraction, along with leopards, panthers and other big cats found in the sanctuary.
Around 550,000 people visit the wildlife park each year, riding in open-top jeeps as they try to spot the predators prowling.
Since the Asiatic lion currently exists as a single subpopulation, it is vulnerable to extinction from events such as an epidemic or a large forest fire. - AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Malaysia-Guinea-Bissau ties a strategic gateway into Africa
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today described Malaysia's ties with Guinea-Bissau as a strategic gateway for expanding the nation's presence across the African continent, positioning the West African republic as a vital entry point for trade, investment and diplomatic engagement. Speaking at a joint press conference with the republic's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who is on a historic three-day official visit to Malaysia, Anwar said the growing rapport between both nations marks a turning point in Malaysia's approach towards Africa. 'It is clear that Guinea-Bissau will be a key country to leverage our positive momentum in West Africa, and potentially into the broader African continent,' he said. Embalo's visit is the first-ever by a head of state from Guinea-Bissau to Malaysia. While acknowledging that past ties had been low-key, the Prime Minister said the renewed engagement reflects a shared ambition to forge stronger ties in diverse sectors. 'President Embalo has a vision to engage Malaysia not just bilaterally, but as a bridge into ASEAN,' he said, reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to inclusive diplomacy anchored under ASEAN centrality. Anwar said that as a trading nation, Malaysia values partnerships based on mutual trust and shared inspirations, and Embalo's proactive stance complements the nation's foreign policy principles. 'Our policy is to engage and befriend all countries. President Embalo's stance aligns well with this principle. We are extremely glad that he has taken the initiative to forge a new relationship with Malaysia based on mutual trust and affinity,' he said. President Embalo, in turn, hailed Malaysia as a 'sister country' and expressed confidence in the potential of a strong and enduring partnership. 'I believe that, from today, we are not only connected by heart, but also ready to work closely on many fronts,' he said, asserting Guinea-Bissau's intention to learn from Malaysia's experience and best practices in various fields, including education, healthcare and industrial development. 'You can count on us. Guinea-Bissau wants to be Malaysia's key partner in Africa, just as Malaysia can be our key partner not only in Asia, but globally,' he added.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Guinea-Bissau ties a strategic gateway into Africa, says Anwar
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim describes Malaysia's ties with Guinea-Bissau as a strategic gateway for expanding the nation's presence across the African continent. It positions the West African republic as a vital entry point for trade, investment and diplomatic engagement, he added. Speaking at a joint press conference on Wednesday (June 4) with the republic's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who is on a historic three-day official visit to Malaysia, Anwar said the growing rapport between the nations marks a turning point in Malaysia's approach towards Africa. ALSO READ: M'sia, Guinea-Bissau extend ties with focus on halal industry, Islamic finance and energy "It is clear that Guinea-Bissau will be a key country to leverage our positive momentum in West Africa, and potentially into the broader African continent,' he said. Embalo's visit is the first-ever by a head of state from Guinea-Bissau to Malaysia. While acknowledging that past ties had been low-key, the Prime Minister said the renewed engagement reflects a shared ambition to forge stronger ties in diverse sectors. "President Embalo has a vision to engage Malaysia not just bilaterally, but as a bridge into Asean,' he said, reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to inclusive diplomacy anchored under Asean centrality. Anwar said that as a trading nation, Malaysia values partnerships based on mutual trust and shared inspirations, and Embalo's proactive stance complements the nation's foreign policy principles. "Our policy is to engage and befriend all countries. President Embalo's stance aligns well with this principle. We are extremely glad that he has taken the initiative to forge a new relationship with Malaysia based on mutual trust and affinity,' he said. Embalo, in turn, hailed Malaysia as a "sister country' and expressed confidence in the potential of a strong and enduring partnership. "I believe that, from today, we are not only connected by heart, but also ready to work closely on many fronts,' he said, asserting Guinea-Bissau's intention to learn from Malaysia's experience and best practices in various fields, including education, healthcare and industrial development. "You can count on us. Guinea-Bissau wants to be Malaysia's key partner in Africa, just as Malaysia can be our key partner not only in Asia, but globally,' he added. – Bernama
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Malaysia, Guinea-Bissau deepen ties
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with focus areas including the halal industry, Islamic finance, energy and capacity building. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had encouraged Malaysian corporations, including Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and FGV Holdings, to explore potential ventures in Guinea-Bissau. 'Hopefully, Petronas, FGV and others will explore potential opportunities not only in Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau, but also use them as a base to expand further into Africa and beyond,' he said during a joint press conference with visiting Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, here today. Anwar said that Malaysia remains committed to supporting capacity-building efforts through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which offers scholarships and specialised training across sectors including governance, agrotechnology and public administration. He said discussions with Guinea-Bissau also explored potential collaboration in semiconductors, oil and gas and food technology and the further implementation of MTCP programmes tailored to Guinea-Bissau's developmental priorities. 'We are prepared to offer assistance under the MTCP and through larger programmes coordinated by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani,' said Anwar. On international affairs, the Prime Minister highlighted Embalo's strong diplomatic ties with key global powers, including the United Arab Emirates, France, Russia, the United States, and several African nations. 'As a country that practices neutrality and balanced foreign policy, Malaysia and ASEAN have long been involved with nations globally. This aligns closely with President Embalo's vision for Guinea-Bissau,' Anwar said. The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the deepening of ties between the two nations, adding that, 'Malaysia will be your second home. My colleagues, the people of Malaysia, and I are very pleased that you have taken the initiative to establish a new relationship based on trust and affinity with Malaysia'. Embalo is currently undertaking a three-day official visit to Malaysia, marking the first-ever visit by a head of state from Guinea-Bissau.
