Latest news with #Asiaticlion
Time of India
11-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
State zoo welcomes four Asiatic lion cubs, sparks hope for conservation
1 2 3 4 Guwahati: Assam State Zoo has announced the birth of four healthy Asiatic lion cubs, marking a significant milestone in the fight to save one of the world's most endangered big cats. Born to Kesari on July 24, the cubs' arrival was revealed by state environment minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on World Lion Day. Patowary hailed the births as a "significant step in species conservation," underscoring the importance of this achievement in the broader context of wildlife preservation. The cubs and their mother are reportedly in good health, under the vigilant care of the zoo's veterinary team. This heartwarming event is more than just a delightful addition to the zoo's family; it represents a strategic victory for India's lion conservation initiatives. Kesari, who was brought to Assam from Gujarat's Junagarh Zoo in 2021 as part of an animal exchange program, has now successfully given birth twice, first to two female cubs, Joya and Bijoya, in February 2024, and now to these four cubs. The zoo officials, who are ecstatic, said this isn't just about adding to the zoo's animal count. It's about securing the future of the Asiatic lion, a species listed as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. Ashwini Kumar, divisional forest officer of the zoo, highlighted the critical role zoos play in conservation efforts, particularly through carefully managed breeding programs that help maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population. "Zoos are active participants in conservation," Kumar stated. "By maintaining a robust gene pool, we create a safety net for the species, ensuring its survival even if wild populations decline," he added. Assam State Zoo's efforts are part of a larger collaborative network across India, where animals are shared between facilities to maintain population balance and genetic diversity. "If a zoo has more individuals than it can sustainably house, they're moved to facilities with fewer or none," Kumar said. "It's a collaborative effort to keep the species thriving," he added. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
NDTV
10-08-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Astounding Success": Minister As Asiatic Lion Numbers Surge To 891
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Sunday said the rise in the Asiatic lion population is an "astounding success" and called it a global symbol of "successful wildlife conservation". Speaking at an event in Gujarat's Devbhumi Dwarka district on the occasion of World Lion Day, Mr Yadav said India's lion population has grown to 891, up from 674 in 2020. "The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is a global symbol of successful wildlife conservation, and on this World Lion Day, we celebrate their remarkable recovery. From just 284 lions in 1990, the population has now risen to 891 in 2025 - a 32% increase since 2020 and over 70% growth in the past decade," he said. India draws immense pride from being home to the Asiatic Lion 🦁. Over the last few years, our lion population has grown steadily. From 523 lions in 2015 to 891 lions in 2025, we have registered a phenomenal success. On World Lion Day, let us resolve to protect our lions and… — Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) August 10, 2025 Mr Yadav said it is a "matter of immense national pride" that if the Asiatic lion exists anywhere in the world today, it is in Gir, Gujarat. "Our relentless conservation efforts have doubled their population in the past decade, giving hope to global wildlife protection," he said. "If one wants to see the example of wildlife conservation, then they should see Gujarat's Gir, the work of the state government, and the lifestyle of our Maldhari and other local communities," he said. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, first as Chief Minister of Gujarat and later as Prime Minister, for making Project Lion a priority area of action. "It is heartening to note that such remarkable growth has been made possible through collective will, dedication, and policies rooted in co-existence," he said. Mr Yadav, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, led the festivities at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, unveiling a Rs 180 crore initiative to boost lion conservation and ecotourism. Once teetering on the brink of extinction, the Asiatic lions, a majestic subspecies found only in Gujarat's Saurashtra region, have faced a perilous journey. They are distinguished from their African counterpart by their smaller size, less developed manes in males, and a characteristic skin fold on their abdomen. Conserving them is critical as they are a unique genetic lineage, a keystone species maintaining ecosystem balance, and a cultural symbol in India. Their limited range makes them vulnerable to disease and habitat pressures, necessitating ongoing protection to prevent extinction and preserve biodiversity.
Time of India
10-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
Lion's share: India's big cats roar to record 891; 32% jump in five years
. India's Asiatic lion population rose from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, a jump of 32.2%, according to the 16th Lion Population Estimation report released on Sunday. The number of adult females has increased from 260 to 330, up by nearly 27%, boosting the species' ability to reproduce. The 2025 count includes new satellite populations in Gujarat's Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetpur, Babra-Jasdan and nearby areas. In total, there are now 497 lions in satellite populations spread across nine locations. For the first time, 22 lions have been recorded in corridor areas. Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav said on X that India took pride in being home to the Asiatic lion. He called the popuation surge a 'phenomenal success' and urged continued efforts to protect the species. "India draws immense pride from being home to the Asiatic lion. Over the last few years, our lion population has grown steadily. From 523 lions in 2015 to 891 lions in 2025, we have registered a phenomenal success. On World Lion Day, let us resolve to protect our lions and help them thrive. My greetings to all those passionate about lion conservation," Yadav wrote. Over the last decade, the lion population has grown by more than 70%, and their range has expanded by nearly 60%. Amreli district has the highest numbers, 82 adult males, 117 adult females, and 79 cubs. Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas saw the fastest growth at 100%, followed by Bhavnagar Mainland at 84% and the South Eastern Coast at 40%. But some areas recorded declines. Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary dropped by 4% and the Bhavnagar Coast by 12%. World Lion Day, observed on August 10, aims to raise awareness about lion conservation. The geography of Asiatic Lions once extended from Turkey to India but is now only restricted to the Saurashtra region in Gujarat.
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Business Standard
10-08-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Asiatic lion population rises 32% in five years, reaches 891: Report
India's Asiatic lion population has recorded a significant jump, rising from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, an increase of 32.2 per cent, according to the 16th Lion Population Estimation report released on Sunday. The number of adult females has grown from 260 to 330 (26.9 per cent), bolstering the species' reproductive capacity. The latest count includes new satellite populations in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetpur and adjoining areas, and Babra-Jasdan and adjoining areas, taking the total number of lions in satellite populations to 497 across nine locations. For the first time, 22 lions have been recorded in corridor areas. Marking the occasion, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav posted on X, "India draws immense pride from being home to the Asiatic lion. Over the last few years, our lion population has grown steadily. From 523 lions in 2015 to 891 lions in 2025, we have registered a phenomenal success. On World Lion Day, let us resolve to protect our lions and help them thrive. My greetings to all those passionate about lion conservation." Over the past decade, the population has surged by 70.36 percent from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025, while the area of distribution has expanded by 59.09 per cent. Amreli district currently holds the highest number of lions in the landscape, with 82 adult males, 117 adult females, and 79 cubs. Area-wise, the sharpest growth was seen in Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas (100 per cent), followed by Bhavnagar Mainland (84 per cent) and the South Eastern Coast (40 per cent). Some regions, however, recorded declines: Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary (-4%) and Bhavnagar Coast (-12%). World Lion Day, celebrated annually on August 10, aims to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of lions worldwide. In Gujarat, the Asiatic lion is a unique ecological and cultural treasure, found only in the Saurashtra region. The Ministry and the state's consistent efforts under Project Lion and the leadership of the Gujarat government have made significant strides in ensuring the survival and growth of this iconic species. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India.com
10-08-2025
- General
- India.com
Asiatic Lion Numbers Surge 32 Percent In Five Years, Touch 891: Report
India's Asiatic lion population has recorded a significant jump, rising from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, an increase of 32.2 per cent, according to the 16th Lion Population Estimation report released on Sunday. The number of adult females has grown from 260 to 330 (26.9 per cent), bolstering the species' reproductive capacity. The latest count includes new satellite populations in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetpur and adjoining areas, and Babra-Jasdan and adjoining areas, taking the total number of lions in satellite populations to 497 across nine locations. For the first time, 22 lions have been recorded in corridor areas. Marking the occasion, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav posted on X, "India draws immense pride from being home to the Asiatic lion. Over the last few years, our lion population has grown steadily. From 523 lions in 2015 to 891 lions in 2025, we have registered a phenomenal success. On World Lion Day, let us resolve to protect our lions and help them thrive. My greetings to all those passionate about lion conservation." Over the past decade, the population has surged by 70.36 percent from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025, while the area of distribution has expanded by 59.09 per cent. Amreli district currently holds the highest number of lions in the landscape, with 82 adult males, 117 adult females, and 79 cubs. Area-wise, the sharpest growth was seen in Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas (100 per cent), followed by Bhavnagar Mainland (84 per cent) and the South Eastern Coast (40 per cent). Some regions, however, recorded declines: Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary (-4%) and Bhavnagar Coast (-12%). World Lion Day, celebrated annually on August 10, aims to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of lions worldwide. In Gujarat, the Asiatic lion is a unique ecological and cultural treasure, found only in the Saurashtra region. The Ministry and the state's consistent efforts under Project Lion and the leadership of the Gujarat government have made significant strides in ensuring the survival and growth of this iconic species.
