Latest news with #AsiaticLion
India Today
4 days ago
- General
- India Today
How 2025 lion census unravels perils, positives of harmonious lion-human coexistence
Former Gujarat wildlife warden H.S. Singh came upon a familiar sight during the Asiatic Lion census 2025. 'In a mango orchard in the Jamwala range of Gir Somnath district, a lion was relaxing under the shade of a mango tree while a woman was going about her routine of plucking mangoes a few feet away. It was just another day in the lion landscape of Saurashtra,' he across an expanse of 35,000 sq km, the Asiatic Lion population increased by 32 per cent in the census conducted by the forest department in mid-May—from 674 enumerated in 2020 to the past 35 years, the lion territory has expanded by 430 per cent—from 6,600 sq km in 1990 to 35,000 sq km in 2025, while the lion population itself has increased by 213 per cent. This indicates lions were travelling long distances for prey, and since they were unable to find sufficient quantity, population growth was the past decade, however, this trend seems to be reversing. The lion population has increased by 70.36 per cent over the 10 years while the area of distribution went up by 59.09 per cent. Since capacity in the four main sanctuaries is long exhausted, the big cats are surviving on the edges of the forests close to human habitation and farmland, where they prey on livestock. Combining the latest lion population data with the leopard population recorded in 2023, Singh summarises that the lion landscape has 1,886 big cats, including 995 leopards, competing for habitat and Dr Y.V. Jhala, former dean of the Wildlife Institute of India and a lion expert, is cautious. 'Farmers get compensated for livestock attacks. Besides the illegal lion sightings also have economic potential. If lion density increases beyond a point and cost exceeds benefits, this fine balance could be lost,' he forest department data, Singh says 189 lion attacks between 2015 and 2024 resulted in 35 human deaths. The forest department settled 28,798 compensation cases for kills of livestock, of which 80 per cent were lion attacks. Like tigers and leopards, lions are known to scavenge multiple use human-dominated landscapes beyond the Gir Protected Area Zone, live and dead livestock contribute substantial food along with blue bulls and wild pigs. In fact, the blue bull population is high in the villages and nearly half of the food for lions comes from blue bulls in the lion conservation landscape beyond the Gir Protected Area Zone. They share the prey with other scavengers in the per the livestock census in 2019, the estimated population of livestock—cow, buffalo, goat, sheep, dogs and others—is over 2.29 million in the four main lion districts (Amreli, Bhavnagar, Junagadh and Gir-Somnath) against over 170,830 individuals wild ungulates (including 98,420 wild ungulates in Gir Protected Area). Additionally, there are 80,050 stray cattle and 208,020 stray dogs in these four districts. This makes for survival of lions with high density in the lion's conservation per wildlife counting in 2023, there were 84,470 wild ungulates, mainly blue bulls, in other seven non-lion districts in Saurashtra. Additionally, as per the recent records of the Department of Animal Husbandry (2024), there are 121,980 stray cattle (mainly bulls) and 198,480 stray dogs. These stray domestic animals are unguarded and have negative value to the villagers, and may be treated as freely available prey base for carnivores in line with wild ungulates. Thus, a total 404,930 prey animals are free prey base for carnivores in the seven non-lion there are about 1.35 million domestic cows in seven districts. If they are not hunted by the carnivores, their carcasses after death would be available to them. Livestock population, including cows in the seven districts, is about 3.94 million in Saurashtra. 'These figures speak about the abundance of food for lions in future, if they disperse and colonise suitable habitats there,' Singh the prevailing trend of lion's population growth and their dispersion in new areas, the Gujarat forest department prepared a long-term comprehensive project in 2023, 'The Project Lion@2047—A Vision of Amrut Kal'. This means lion conservation may achieve new heights in terms of population and distribution range in the entire Saurashtra by the time India celebrates 100 years of Independence in 2047, adds 2025 census report claims 496 (55.7 per cent) lions were found inside forest areas in the lion landscape, up from 345 (51 per cent) in the 2020 report. This is surprising because there has been no addition to the forest cover, except that 16 lions have colonised the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Porbandar, spread over 192 sq km. The census report terms it a conservation success biologist and big cat expert Ravi Chellam welcomes the Barda development but explains that it does not serve as any implementation of the 2013 Supreme Court order directing Gujarat to translocate some lions out of Saurashtra for long-term conservation and species preservation.'The forest department states that the lions have naturally migrated to Barda, which means there is a corridor between the Gir forest and Barda. Barda is also barely 100 km from Gir as a crow flies. In the event of a natural disaster, such as a cyclone or disease outbreak, the lions in Barda will also be exposed to the same risks,' says striking revelation is the increase in lions' coastal population by 29 per cent. While 134 lions were recorded in the coastal areas, the big cats prefer to live in open forests, mostly consisting of the thorny weed trees prosopois juliflora. In the last five years, floating populations were seen in the Union territory of Diu and the southern talukas of Ahmedabad district (Dhandhuka and Bavala). However, the 2025 census does not record either region as an established lion territory says lions love the coast as it is cooler in the summers near the sea, and they will survive as long as they get prey and water. 'The need now is to give dedicated space to this wild carnivore to hunt its prey; otherwise, we are interfering with its evolutionary potential to remain 'wild',' he biologists are more concerned about the 22 lions recorded as 'floating population' in lion corridors. 'These corridors must now be guarded with utmost conservation priority. There are already highways, railway tracks, urban towns et al here. For instance, wide highways slice through the Girnar and Barda Wildlife Sanctuaries. There is immense commercial pressure for mining, urban infrastructure, solar plants, windmills and tourism demands to construct safari parks that would box in a free ranging population,' says Chaitanya Joshi, a wildlife conservationist closely associated with the Gir to India Today Magazine
Free Malaysia Today
27-05-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
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. (AFP pic) AHMEDABAD : 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 over 35,000 square kilometres 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 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.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Increase in lion population from 674 to 891 'very encouraging': PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat's Gir forest has increased from 674 to 891 in just five years, which he called a "very encouraging" development. Speaking during the 122nd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister attributed the success to collective efforts by the people of the region and the use of modern methods. "This number of lions that emerged after the lion census is very encouraging," he said, adding that their strength was revealed in the census that was conducted across 11 districts, covering an area of 35,000 square kilometres. The teams involved in the exercise worked round-the-clock, ensuring verification and cross-verification for accurate results, he said. "The rise in the population of the Asiatic Lion shows that when the sense of ownership strengthens in the society, amazing results happen," Modi said, praising the involvement of local communities and the induction of women as forest officers in Gujarat. The Prime Minister also spoke about the significance of World Bee Day, observed on May 20, calling honey a symbol of health, self-employment, and self-reliance. "During the last 11 years, a sweet revolution has taken place in beekeeping in India," he said, pointing out that honey production has grown from around 70-75 thousand metric tons to about 1.25 lakh metric tons annually an increase of about 60 per cent. India is now among the leading countries in honey production and export, Modi said, crediting the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission for training thousands of farmers, providing equipment, and linking them directly to markets. He cited the example of tribal farmers in the Korea district of Chhattisgarh, who created a pure organic honey brand named 'Sonhani'. "That honey is now being sold on many online portals including GeM," Modi said. He also highlighted the rise of honey entrepreneurs, particularly hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh. "Now work is being done not only on the quantity of honey but also on its purity," the Prime Minister said. He said that start-ups are certifying honey using AI and digital technology, as he encouraged people to buy honey from local farmers and women entrepreneurs, calling it "the taste of a self-reliant India." Modi also lauded a grassroots initiative from Pune, where a youth named Amit started a group called 'Bee Friends' or 'Bee Mitra' to safely relocate beehives instead of destroying them. The Prime Minister also touched upon the subject of innovation in the northeast, highlighting the work of Dr Chewang Norbu Bhutia, a veterinary doctor from Sikkim who founded 'Crafted Fibers', a social enterprise that merges traditional weaving with modern fashion. "Now he doesn't just make clothes, he weaves lives," Modi said, noting how local artisans, especially women, are earning livelihoods using natural wool and dyes sourced from Sikkim's own flora and fauna. Modi also talked about the inspiring journey of Jeevan Joshi from Haldwani, Uttarakhand, who despite being affected by polio, developed a unique art form called 'Baget' using dry pine bark. "The very bark, which people generally consider useless, becomes a heritage as soon as it comes into Jeevan ji's hands," he said. Modi also urged people to embrace yoga, ahead of the International Yoga Day on June 21, when he will participate in an event in Visakhapatnam. "Yoga will change the way you live your life," he said, and mentioned Andhra Pradesh's 'YogAndhra Abhiyan' which aims to create a pool of 10 lakh yoga practitioners. The Prime Minister highlighted the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) "sugar boards" in schools to make children aware of their sugar intake. Modi said the initiative is creating awareness among children about healthy eating habits and suggested that such boards be introduced in canteens and offices as well. Sharing an example of extreme environmental commitment, Modi lauded the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel who, during their climb to Mount Makalu, carried back over 150 kg of non-biodegradable waste. "Cleaning at such a height is not an easy task. But this shows that where there is determination, the path is created automatically," he said. Modi also encouraged paper recycling efforts, noting that paper waste forms a quarter of the country's landfill. He praised start-ups in cities like Visakhapatnam, Gurugram, and Jalna for pioneering innovative solutions such as recycled packaging boards and paper cores. Modi congratulated the medal winners of the Khelo India Youth Games hosted in five cities of Bihar. Over 5,000 athletes participated, and the games were broadcast globally via the Olympic Channel. "The land of Bihar is very special. Many unique things happened here in this event. This was the first edition of Khelo India Youth Games, which reached the whole world through the Olympic channel. People from all over the world saw and appreciated the talent of our young players. I congratulate all the medal winners, especially the top three winners - Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan," he said.
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi credits community-led conservation for rise in lion numbers in Gir
New Delhi: Addressing the nation in his monthly Mann Ki Baat programme on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartening update on India's wildlife conservation efforts, announcing a significant rise in the population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat's Gir forest. "In just the last five years, the population of lions in Gir, Gujarat, has increased from 674 to 891. The number of lions that emerged after the lion census is very encouraging," the Prime Minister said. He elaborated on the challenging and meticulous process behind the lion census. "Many of you must be wondering how this animal census is conducted! This exercise is very challenging. You will be surprised to know that the Lion Census was conducted in 11 districts, in an area of 35 thousand square kilometres." "For the census, the teams monitored these areas round the clock… twenty-four hours. Both verification and cross-verification were done in this entire campaign. This enabled the counting of lions to be completed with utmost precision," he explained. Highlighting the community's role, PM Modi said the success of conservation reflected the power of collective responsibility. "The rise in the population of the Asiatic Lion shows that when the sense of ownership strengthens in society, amazing results happen. A few decades ago, the situation in Gir was very challenging. But the people there came together to bring about a change," the Prime Minister said. He also pointed to policy and technological reforms that played a key role. "Along with the latest technology, global best practices were also adopted there. During this time, Gujarat became the first state where women were appointed as forest officers on a large scale. All these have contributed to the results we are seeing today. We will have to remain vigilant and alert like this for wildlife protection," PM Modi added.
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Out of the woods in Gujarat, why Asiatic lion's future can't be secured by numbers alone
The latest population estimation exercise in Gujarat has recorded 891 lions, a 32% jump in population since 2020. In these five years, lions have also expanded their range by 17% — from 30,000 to 35,000 sq km — and now cover 58 talukas (up from 53 in 2020) in 11 districts. While announcing the numbers on Wednesday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel proudly noted that the increase in the lion population is a result not only of favourable geographic and climatic conditions but also of the state government's consistent and dedicated efforts. For this success story to continue, however, more needs to be done. From under 200 in the 1960s when their last home in Gir was accorded special protection, Asiatic lions have made a remarkable recovery. For most parts, this journey has been slow and steady — the population did not cross the 300-mark until 1995 when the lion broke free from the safety of the forests. Between 1990 and 2005, the lion's range doubled from 6,600 sq km to 13,000 sq km. But in those early days of breaking new ground, the expansion of lions' range resulted only in a modest 26% jump in numbers, from 284 to 359. In the next 15 years, though, as the lion once again doubled its range from 13,000 sq km to 30,000 sq km, already established satellite populations added up to record an overall jump of 88% in lion numbers from 359 to 674. The latest estimation confirms that trajectory. However, this is only the second instance after the 2015 estimation when the population growth rate exceeded the rate of range expansion. It must also be mentioned that the absolute numbers offered without a standard error range are unusual for any scientific estimation method. The lions have colonised at least three new areas — Barda wildlife sanctuary, Jetpur and Babra-Jasdan — in the last five years. A nearly 900-strong population scattered across 358 locations strengthens the species recovery trend that made IUCN change the Asiatic Lion's status from 'critically-endangered' to 'endangered' in 2008. A closer look at the numbers, however, shows that the population growth has not been commensurate with the expansion of the lion's range over the decades. Since 1990, the lion's range has expanded by 430%, but the corresponding jump in numbers, at 214%, has not been half as swift. This is because the Saurashtra peninsula has very few protected wilderness areas — Gir National Park and a few small sanctuaries such as Pania, Girnar, Mitiyala and the recently colonised Berda — for the lion to flourish. Over decades, as these sanctuaries have neared their carrying capacity, lions wandering out for space have reached wasteland, farmland and agri-plantations, interspersed with clumps of natural vegetation tagged as forest patches. Even on government records, only 56% of Gujarat's 891 lions were found in forested areas. While the relevant data is missing in the latest census, the 2020 report showed that the lion's population density drops from 15.2 per 100 sq km in forested areas to just 1.65 in non-forested areas. Non-forest areas close to human habitations are not the ideal habitat for a large carnivore species. A former chief wildlife warden of the state acknowledged that there are 'covert cases' of retaliatory killings when lions died of electrocution, 'drowning in wells' or were 'shot in self-defence'. 'But unlike leopards, lions are considered Gujarat's pride and people are generally tolerant of the species. Also, these are highly-managed animals with frequent rescues, medical care and all. That makes them somewhat used to people,' he said. Familiarity, though, also means such lions are not wary of people. 'It's ecologically an unstable situation. Quite a few of the lions in human-dominated habitats are often aggressive to people, and there have been reports of unprovoked attacks,' veteran wildlife biologist Dr Ravi Chellam told The Indian Express. Social carrying capacity, argued a senior Gujarat forest official who did not want to be named, also has its limits. 'People and lions can live in harmony only when they share either space or time. People can work by the day in cropland where lions roam at night. But when they come face to face too often, it's a dangerous test of nerves,' Chellam said. For now, a combination of awareness campaigns, media sensitisation and timely compensation for livestock losses is keeping peace. What has also helped is the relative availability of wild prey, such as boars, outside forested areas due to limited hunting for bushmeat in the state. But many lions are also dependent on livestock, including those that they do not have to hunt. 'Very frequently, these lions are feeding on dumped livestock carcasses that also attract village dogs. This makes these lions vulnerable to disease infections,' Dr Chellam cautioned. It's been 12 years since the Supreme Court set a six-month deadline for shifting lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh, and seven years since Gujarat assured the apex court that this order would be implemented. In September 2020, the initial proposal under Project Lion, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15 that year, identified seven sites, including three each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, for relocation. Then, in July 2022, the government told the Lok Sabha that the scope of assessing the suitability of a new habitat for lions was limited to potential sites only within Gujarat. On their own, lions have recently reached one of those sites — Barda wildlife sanctuary. But the sanctuary's less than 200 sq km expanse can accommodate only a few animals. As potential targets of doubling the lion population to 2,000 are being tossed around, the Asiatic lion needs quality forest habitats away from human settlements to safeguard against potential conflict and epidemic breakouts. Jay Mazoomdaar is an investigative reporter focused on offshore finance, equitable growth, natural resources management and biodiversity conservation. Over two decades, his work has been recognised by the International Press Institute, the Ramnath Goenka Foundation, the Commonwealth Press Union, the Prem Bhatia Memorial Trust, the Asian College of Journalism etc. Mazoomdaar's major investigations include the extirpation of tigers in Sariska, global offshore probes such as Panama Papers, Robert Vadra's land deals in Rajasthan, India's dubious forest cover data, Vyapam deaths in Madhya Pradesh, mega projects flouting clearance conditions, Nitin Gadkari's link to e-rickshaws, India shifting stand on ivory ban to fly in African cheetahs, the loss of indigenous cow breeds, the hydel rush in Arunachal Pradesh, land mafias inside Corbett, the JDY financial inclusion scheme, an iron ore heist in Odisha, highways expansion through the Kanha-Pench landscape etc. ... Read More
