India's Pride Grows: Asiatic Lion Population Hits 891, Soars 70% In 10 Years
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The area where these majestic creatures roam has also expanded by 59 per cent, reaching 35,000 sq km by 2025, signalling a shift in both population and habitat distribution
In what is being hailed as one of India's most successful wildlife conservation stories, the Asiatic lion—once confined to the shrinking forests of Gir—has staged a dramatic comeback. A species that faced near-extinction in the early 20th century has not only survived but thrived, thanks to decades of focused conservation measures, habitat management, and community engagement. The latest population estimation offers compelling evidence of this resurgence, with numbers and territorial reach both showing remarkable gains. No longer limited to the core protected zones, these lions are now establishing a wider ecological footprint—one that spans forests, grasslands, farmlands, and even areas near human settlements.
In a significant conservation milestone, India's Asiatic lion population has soared by 70.36 per cent over the past decade, rising from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025. The area where these majestic creatures roam has also expanded by 59 per cent, signalling a shift in both population and habitat distribution.
The 891 lions were recorded across 358 locations. Of these, 55.78 per cent were found in forested areas, while the remaining 44.22 per cent were in non-forested regions, including grasslands, agricultural land, riverine areas, plantations, and zones adjacent to human habitation.
According to the report, the spatial distribution of the lions has steadily increased over the years. From 1990 to 1995, the range grew from 6,600 sq km to 10,000 sq km – an increase of 51.5 per cent. By 2005, it had reached 13,000 sq km. A significant expansion occurred between 2005 and 2010, with the area increasing to 20,000 sq km, followed by 22,000 sq km in 2015. By 2025, the range has extended to 35,000 sq km.
Remarkably, the number of adult females has also risen from 260 to 330 – a 26.92 per cent increase, strengthening the population's reproductive potential. The numbers are part of the 16th Population Estimation, conducted between 10 and 13 May to assess the current population status, trends, and distribution of the Asiatic lions. The estimation spanned nearly 35,000 sq km, covering 11 districts and 58 tehsils.
While the preliminary census was conducted on May 10 and 11, the final count was held on May 12 and 13 with the help of 3,000 volunteers, including regional, zonal and sub-zonal officers, enumerators, assistant enumerators and inspectors, said a forest department release. The census was conducted through a more accurate method called 'direct beat verification', which provides 100 per cent accuracy with almost zero margin of error due to statistical analysis and ease of implementation, said the release.
The total lion population recorded an overall growth of 32.2 per cent, with an addition of 217 lions between 2020 and 2025, when the numbers rose from 674 to 891. For the first time, the population in the corridor area has been recorded with a population of 22 individuals.
The report also revealed that India's Asiatic lions, originally concentrated in Gir National Park, Pania Wildlife Sanctuary, and adjoining areas, have now successfully dispersed to wider regions, establishing satellite populations.
Previously, seven of these satellite populations had been recorded, including areas such as Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary, Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and parts of Bhavnagar and Amreli districts. In the 2025 estimation, three new satellite populations have been identified, marking a further expansion of the species' range. Among these, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is a newly established population.
Amreli district was found to have the largest lion population within the landscape, comprising 82 adult males, 117 adult females, 22 sub-adult males, 25 sub-adult females, 4 unidentified sub-adults, and as many as 79 cubs.
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May 21, 2025, 13:51 IST
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