Asiatic lion population in Gujarat goes up from 674 to 891 in 5 years: CM Patel shares census details

Indian Express

21-05-2025

The population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has increased to 891 from 674 in 2020 according to the census conducted this month. The figures of the 16th Lion Population Estimation were released by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, on Wednesday, in presence of Forest Minister Mulu Bera, Minister of State Mukesh Patel and other top state government officials.
Recording an increase of 217 lions, around 32% compared to the 15th lion census, the tally this time includes 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults and 225 cubs.
The 16th Lion Estimation Document released by CM Patel shared information about multiple trends witnessed during the exercise.
Even as the total population of lions has increased by 217 (32.2%), the number of adult females has increased from 260 to 330 (26.92%), reinforcing the population's reproductive capacity, it states.
The Asiatic lions are found in Gir National Park & Gir and Pania Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas as the source (core) population. From this source, lions have dispersed and established distinct satellite populations in spatially separated areas, according to the information.
'During previous population estimations, seven of these satellite populations — Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary, Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, the southwestern and southeastern coastal regions, Savarkundla-Liliya and its adjoining areas in Amreli, Bhavnagar Mainland and Bhavnagar Coast – were recorded,' the document shared by the CM said.
In the 16th estimation, three new satellite populations have been documented.
'Among these, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (near Porbandar) is a newly-established population. It is noteworthy to mention that the lions in Bards Wildlife Sanctuary were established after 1879 (the last known record). Therefore, the concept of a second home for the lions within the Gujarat state has been materialised, which will be helpful for the long-term conservation of the species,' the document further reads.
The estimation has recorded 17 lions in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. Another newly documented satellite population of lions recorded during the 2025 census includes lions from areas around Jetpur and Babra-Jasdan.
The third newly recorded satellite population has been marked as 'Population in Corridors'. This is the population, the document reads, '…which lives in corridors and is a floating kind of population with significant potential for the future.'
So, in all, 384 lions have been recorded in the core/source area of Gir National Park & Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjoining areas and Pania Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjoining areas. At least 507 were found from outside of this core area.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of the Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) A P Singh said, 'The carrying capacity of Gir Sanctuary and National Park (or the core area) is around 300-350. Here, the population of lions has increased to 384. What is important is that the expansion of lions outside protected areas has gradually increased…The population of such lions has reached 507.'
In this context, Principal Secretary (Forest and Environment) Sanjeev Kumar said, 'The holding capacity of national park and sanctuaries will be increased by intervention and habitat improvement. There is still scope of increasing the holding capacity and the forest and environment department is working in that direction.'
Steady increase in trend
The distribution of lions is showing a steady increasing trend over the years, according to the document. In 1995, the distribution was over 10000 sq km. The range gradually increased over the years and in 2020 it was extended to 30000 sq km. In 2025, it has further extended to 35000 sq km.
'This progressive expansion demonstrates consistent range growth supported by conservation efforts and natural lion dispersal,' the estimation doc says.
As per the estimation, total seven districts of Gujarat have recorded lion population; Junagadh, Gir-Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Rajkot, and Devbhumi-Dwarka.
Amreli district holds the highest population of lions (339) in the Asiatic Lion Landscape followed by Gir-Somnath (222), Junagadh (191) and Bhavnagar (116). Porbadar, Rajkot and Devbhumi Dwarka districts have recorded 16, six and one lion (s) respectively, according to the document.
'No (lion) population has been recorded in Ahmedabad, Botad, Jamnagar and Surendranagar districts during the estimation,' said the document.
The estimation has also provided distribution of lion locations across different land-use categories; forested areas and non-forested areas.
It states, 'During the 16th lion population estimation, 891 lions were recorded at a total of 358 locations. Of these, 55.78% were found in forested areas, while the remaining 44.22% were located in non-forested areas. These non-forested areas include wasteland (27.61%), agriculture (9.88%), riverine areas (5.16%), agricultural plantations (9.88%) and areas adjacent to human habitation (0.34%).'
PCCF & HoFF Singh said that farmers are very happy because of the increasing population of lions as it helps them control the menace of blue bulls and wild boars.
'The lion movement is recorded at places where there is (population of) blue bull and wild boars in agriculture areas, which was a difficulty for farmers. If you ask the farmers, they are very happy. Wherever the lion is going, their agriculture is protected. For lions, the prey base is more important than water and shelter. Accordingly, the movement (of lion) is taking place,' Singh said.
The census was conducted between May 10 and 13 using the Direct Beat Verification method. To ensure systematic sampling and data collection, the Asiatic Lion Landscape was divided into eight regions, 32 zones, 112 sub-zones and 735 sampling units. Each sampling unit was teamed up with an enumerator and two assistant enumerators, ensuring thorough survey and data collection. Each team was equipped with essential field gear, including a wireless walkie-talkie, binoculars, torchlights, GPS instruments, digital cameras and other gadgets.
To enhance transparency and credibility, experts from various fields, members of the state board for wildlife, and individuals experienced in group dynamics and pride behaviour were invited as independent observers. People from different fields and NGOs were also included as volunteers. In all, the estimation exercise involved 3,254 people. Sarpanches of different concerned villages were also part of the exercise.
A statement from the state government on the results of the estimation said, 'This population estimation exercise and the results are very encouraging and reflects the state government's commitment to the conservation and scientific management of Asiatic lions.'