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Time of India
22-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Gujarat now home to 891 Asiatic lions
In a shot in the arm for Gujarat's conservation efforts, the state is now officially home to 891 Asiatic lions , marking a remarkable 32% increase from 674 in 2020. The latest census reveals that 507 lions — more than half the total population — now roam outside Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary , highlighting the species' successful territorial expansion across Saurashtra. CM Bhupendra Patel announced the official figures on Wednesday. There are an estimated 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults and 225 cubs, according to the latest count, forest department officials said. Of these, an estimated 460 lions were counted outside their designated protected area, according to forest department sources. The lion population has grown by 70% in a decade, up from 523 in 2015. With one nomadic male lion recorded in Devbhumi Dwarka, now all 11 districts in Saurashtra — including non-forested and coastal areas — have officially marked the presence of the king of the jungle. This growth underscores what wildlife experts have been hailing as one of the world's most successful big cat conservation stories, with Gujarat remaining the last stronghold for this majestic species that once faced extinction. The census results come at a time when the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has painted a grim picture for lion populations across North Africa and Southwest Asia, where "numbers continue to decline as human impact is preventing them from being fully ecologically functional across their range". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo In stark contrast, Gujarat's unique model of human-wildlife coexistence has enabled the Asiatic lion to thrive, expanding their territory from 22,000 sq km in 2015 to an impressive 35,000 sq km according to the latest census. The latest census recorded a stable lion population in eight of 11 districts, barring Surendranagar, Jamnagar and Morbi. Gujarat forest department officials said there are an estimated 196 male lions, 330 females, 140 sub-adults and 225 cubs. "The big cats were earlier confined to the Gir National Park in Junagadh and Amreli districts, but now they have spread to 11 districts," said A P Singh, head of forest force. Jaipal Singh, principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), said that 384 lions were counted inside Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, and 507 were found outside. In all, 17 lions were counted in Barda sanctuary, 15km from Porbandar. The highest number of lions recorded in a single pride was 20 in Bhavnagar district, Jaipal Singh said. The census data showed Amreli district leading with 339 lions, marking a 45.49% growth in five years, while Bhavnagar recorded 116 lions, a 43.21% rise. Gir Somnath's lion population grew by 20.65% to reach 222, and Junagadh saw an 8.52% increase with 191 lions. Barda Dungar, Jetpur and Babra-Jasdan are now permanent homes of Asiatic lions, the officials said. *Numbers soar* - Adult female lion population sees 27% jump, up from 260 to 330 - New populations spotted in Barda wildlife sanctuary, Jetpur and Babra-Jasdan areas - Mitiyala sanctuary emerges as growth hotspot with 100% increase in lion numbers - Bhavnagar mainland records impressive 84% growth in lion population - Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary shows steady 15% increase from 2020 count of 334 lions - Coastal regions (Sutrapada-Veraval & Rajula-Nageshree) report 119 lions, up from 87 in 2020 - Lion population in Lilia and Savarkundla (Amreli district) grows by 28%
The Independent
21-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Asiatic lion population grows by a third in five years as conservation efforts pay off
The Asiatic lion population in India has grown by nearly a third in five years, to 891 from 674 in 2020, according to the latest census. 'Not only did the count go up by 217 but the animals were found outside the Gir National Park, their traditional habitat, and spread across 11 districts of Saurashtra,' forest officials said, referring to the large peninsular region in western Gujarat that includes forests, grasslands and coastal areas. The previous census conducted in June 2020 estimated the population of Asiatic lions – a subspecies found only in India and historically associated with Gujarat 's Gir region – at 674. By the latest count, there are now 196 male lions, 330 females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs. 'Estimated population of Asiatic lions has increased to 891,' chief minister Bhupendra Patel said. The population growth has triggered calls for translocating some of the lions outside Gujarat to reduce the pressure on Saurashtra and promote genetic diversity. The proposal is contentious, however, with concerns ranging from ecological suitability to local community acceptance and political considerations. Once limited to the Gir National Park in Junagadh and Amreli, the big cats now roam 11 districts. 'We counted 384 lions within the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, while 507 were found beyond its boundaries,' Jaipal Singh, principal chief conservator of forests in Gujarat. Outside Gir, lions were spotted in sanctuaries like Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar, and Barda as well as in non-forested and coastal areas. Forest officials reported the largest pride numbered 17 lions in the Bhavnagar district. Teetering on the brink of extinction in the early 20th century with its number plummeting to just about 20, the Asiatic lion has made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts. While this is a major success, conservationists warn that the subspecies remains vulnerable to genetic inbreeding and the risk of extinction from diseases or forest fires since it exists as a single isolated population. The lions are a key tourist draw, with over half a million people visiting the Gir park a year.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Asiatic lion population in Gujarat goes up from 674 to 891 in 5 years, footprint expands too
The estimated population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has increased to 891 from 674 five years ago as per the census conducted this month, officials said on Wednesday (May 21, 2025). "Not only the count went up by 217, but the animals were found outside the Gir National Park, their traditional habitat, and spread across 11 districts of Saurashtra including non-forested and coastal areas," the officials said. "Estimated population of Asiatic lions has increased to 891," Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel told reporters in Gandhinagar. As per the last census conducted in June 2020, the population of Asiatic lions, a subspecies only found in Gujarat's Gir area, was estimated at 674. As per the latest count, there are estimated 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults and 225 cubs, said the Gujarat Forest Department. As the population of lions is increasing, their spread in Saurashtra region has also expanded. The big cats were earlier confined to the Gir National Park in Junagadh and Amreli districts, but now they have spread to 11 districts, an official said. "As many as 384 lions were counted in Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and 507 were found outside its limits," said Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest. The areas outside Gir where lions were spotted included sanctuaries like Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar and Barda. Some animals were seen in non-forested areas and coastal areas too. Seventeen lions were counted in Barda sanctuary, 15 km from Porbandar. The highest number of lions recorded in a single pride was 17 in Bhavnagar district, officials said. The 16th Asiatic lion census, a four-day exercise, was conducted from May 10 to 13 in two phases, covering an area of 35,000 square kilometres across 58 talukas of 11 districts. 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% accuracy with almost zero margin of error due to statistical analysis and ease of implementation, said the release. A lion census is conducted every five years by the state Forest Department. Volunteers recorded details such as time of observation, direction of movement, sex, age, any other identifying marks on the body and GPS location among others. Hi-tech tools like camera traps and high resolution cameras and radio-collars were used for the identification of lions, the release said. The 11 districts where lions were spotted are Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar and Botad.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Lion population in Gujarat goes up from 674 to 891 in 5 years; footprint expands too
The estimated population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has increased to 891 from 674 five years ago as per the census conducted this month, officials said on Wednesday. Not only the count went up by 217, but the animals were found outside the Gir National Park, their traditional habitat, and spread across 11 districts of Saurashtra including non-forested and coastal areas, the officials said. "Estimated population of Asiatic lions has increased to 891," Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel told reporters here. As per the last census conducted in June 2020, the population of Asiatic lions, a subspecies only found in Gujarat's Gir area, was estimated at 674. As per the latest count, there are estimated 196 males, 330 females,140 sub-adults and 225 cubs, said the Gujarat forest department. As the population of lions is increasing, their spread in Saurashtra region has also expanded. The big cats were earlier confined to the Gir National Park in Junagadh and Amreli districts, but now they have spread to 11 districts, an official said. As many as 384 lions were counted in Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and 507 were found outside its limits, said Jaipal Singh, principal chief conservator of forest. The areas outside Gir where lions were spotted included sanctuaries like Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar and Barda. Some animals were seen in non-forested areas and coastal areas too. Seventeen lions were counted in Barda sanctuary, 15 km from Porbandar. The highest number of lions recorded in a single pride was 17 in Bhavnagar district, official said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo The 16th Asiatic lion census , a four-day exercise, was conducted from May 10 to 13 in two phases, covering an area of 35,000 square kilometres across 58 talukas of 11 districts. 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. Live Events The census was conducted through a more accurate method called 'direct beat verification', which provides 100 percent accuracy with almost zero margin of error due to statistical analysis and ease of implementation, said the release. A lion census is conducted every five years by the state Forest Department. Volunteers recorded details such as time of observation, direction of movement, sex, age, any other identifying marks on the body and GPS location among others. Hi-tech tools like camera traps and high resolution cameras and radio-collars were used for the identification of lions, the release said. The 11 districts where lions were spotted are Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar and Botad.
The Print
21-05-2025
- General
- The Print
Lion population in Gujarat goes up from 674 to 891 in 5 years; footprint expands too
'Estimated population of Asiatic lions has increased to 891,' Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel told reporters here. Not only the count went up by 217, but the animals were found outside the Gir National Park, their traditional habitat, and spread across 11 districts of Saurashtra including non-forested and coastal areas, the officials said. Gandhinagar, May 21 (PTI) The estimated population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has increased to 891 from 674 five years ago as per the census conducted this month, officials said on Wednesday. As per the last census conducted in June 2020, the population of Asiatic lions, a subspecies only found in Gujarat's Gir area, was estimated at 674. As per the latest count, there are estimated 196 males, 330 females,140 sub-adults and 225 cubs, said the Gujarat forest department. As the population of lions is increasing, their spread in Saurashtra region has also expanded. The big cats were earlier confined to the Gir National Park in Junagadh and Amreli districts, but now they have spread to 11 districts, an official said. As many as 384 lions were counted in Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and 507 were found outside its limits, said Jaipal Singh, principal chief conservator of forest. The areas outside Gir where lions were spotted included sanctuaries like Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar and Barda. Some animals were seen in non-forested areas and coastal areas too. Seventeen lions were counted in Barda sanctuary, 15 km from Porbandar. The highest number of lions recorded in a single pride was 17 in Bhavnagar district, official said. The 16th Asiatic lion census, a four-day exercise, was conducted from May 10 to 13 in two phases, covering an area of 35,000 square kilometres across 58 talukas of 11 districts. 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 percent accuracy with almost zero margin of error due to statistical analysis and ease of implementation, said the release. A lion census is conducted every five years by the state Forest Department. Volunteers recorded details such as time of observation, direction of movement, sex, age, any other identifying marks on the body and GPS location among others. Hi-tech tools like camera traps and high resolution cameras and radio-collars were used for the identification of lions, the release said. The 11 districts where lions were spotted are Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar and Botad. PTI PD KRK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
