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Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Lion population grows to 891 in Gujarat
In a happy news for the Asiatic lion enthusiasts, the population of lions in Gujarat have grown from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025. The recently concluded 16th line census included 196 males, 330 females, and a significant number of cubs and sub-adults, which came as a major the success for the ongoing conservation initiatives. The details of the lion census was shared by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel here on Wednesday. For the records, conducted between May 10–13, the latest lion census covered 35,000 sq. km across 11 districts and 58 talukas, utilizing the Block Count (Direct Beat Verification) method. A total of 3,854 individuals, including forest staff, local sarpanches, villagers, and community leaders, actively participated in this large-scale wildlife monitoring effort. The process entailed extensive technological support, that rendered more accuracy and precision. According to the state government, apart from usual digital cameras, camera traps, and radio collars, e-GujForest mobile app allowed real-time entry of lion sightings, complete with GPS coordinates and photos, making data collection faster and more precise. To better understand lion habitats and how the animals are spreading across regions, officials used GIS mapping tools. In addition, AI-powered software helped identify individual lions from the images, adding another layer of accuracy to the process. It may be mentioned here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been taking keen interest in lion conservation since he was the Chief Minister of the state. In march this year while announcing the 16th lion census, Modi had announced that lion conservation in Barda will be supported through prey augmentation and other habitat improvement efforts since the Asiatic Lions have now made Barda Wildlife Sanctuary their home through natural dispersal. Steady Growth of Lion Population over Two Decades 2001: 327 lions 2005: 359 2010: 411 2015: 523 2020: 674 2025: 891
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Asiatic lion population in Gujarat sees 32.2% jump; rises to 891: CM Patel
The population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has risen to 891 from the previous 674, chief minister Bhupendra Patel announced on Wednesday. The number shows an increase of 32.2% in the Asiatic lion population recorded in the last 2020 lion census. The 16th lion population estimation was announced during the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Sasan-Gir on March 3, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi after which the estimation process was initiated. The 2025 census, carried out from May 10 to 13, spanned 58 talukas across 11 districts, including Junagadh, Amreli, and Bhavnagar. High-resolution cameras, camera traps, and the e-GujForest app for real-time data entry, the Minimal Total Count approach was used to conduct the survey along with the Direct Beat Verification method. Also Read: Gujarat revises rules for construction near Asiatic lion habitat, sparks concern Amreli district holds the highest population of lions in the Asiatic lion landscape, including 82 adult males, 117 adult females, 22 sub-adult males, 35 sub-adult females, 4 unidentified sub-adults, and 79 cubs (2 males, 10 females, 67 unidentified). CM Patel credited the achievement to Gujarat's sustained conservation efforts highlighting the ₹2,927-crore Project Lion, launched in 2020. This initiative focuses on habitat restoration, prey base enhancement, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict, fostering a thriving environment for the lions. The population of the Asiatic lion occurs 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. During previous population estimations, seven of these satellite populations including 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. In the latest estimation, three new satellite populations have been documented. Among these, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is a newly established population. Across the lion population within the landscape, the adult male to adult female ration is 1:1.68 while the adult female to cub ration stands at 1:0.68. Adult females increased from 260 individuals to 330 (26.92%). For the first time the population in the corridor area has been recorded with a population of 22 individuals. The lion population has increased by 70.36 % in the past decade from 523 in 2015, whereas the area of distribution has increased by 59.09%. The largest pride in the latest census was recorded near Palitana with 17 lions. Of the 891 lions recorded, the core population of 384 reside in the forest and sanctuary areas while 507 reside outside in the revenue area and coastal and lion corridors, said AP Singh, principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) and head of forests. He said that the carrying capacity of lions in the sanctuary areas was earlier estimated around 300-350 but the rise shows how conservation efforts and forest management have yielded results. Of the total population, 55.78% were found in forested areas, while the remaining 44.22% were in non-forested areas, according to the census data. Unlike the tiger census done once every four years and carried out over a period of two years, the lion census, done once in five years, is completed in just three days. 'The tiger census mainly relies on the pug marks methodology as compared to Asiatic lion census that is done through Direct Beat Verification. Our lion census methodology is more scientific than tiger,' said Jaipal Singh, PCCF-Wildlife, Gujarat Forest department. The 32.2% population growth since 2020, when 674 lions were counted, highlights the effectiveness of Gujarat's conservation model. Anti-poaching measures, habitat management, and community engagement have been key in reaching these numbers. The Maldhari pastoralist communities, living alongside lions in Gir, play a vital role in fostering coexistence. Initiatives like livestock compensation and awareness programs have minimised conflicts, while eco-development committees empower locals to protect the lions.
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
News in Frames: Tracking the kings
The population of Asiatic lions has grown significantly — from 177 in 1968 to 674 in the year 2020 — in the Gir Sanctuary, Gujarat, including the Greater Gir Forest. Today, the Greater Gir Forest has more lions than the Gir Sanctuary. The government undertakes a population estimation of lions every five years. The 16th 'Lion Population Estimation' held between May 10 and 14 covered 35,000 spanning 11 districts and 58 taluks. Almost 1,500 volunteers took part in the exercise, even though some of the efforts were hampered by unseasonal rain. 'We used digital cameras, camera traps, GPS, radio collaring, AI-based SIMBA software, GIS maps, and statistical software,' said Ram Ratan Nala, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Circle, Junagadh. He added that more than 600 sarpanches and leaders were trained and included in this population estimate. Non-governmental organisations and interested citizens were also invited as observers. A pride of 20 — 12 cubs, two adult males, and six lionesses — were found in Rajasthali Virsi in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, said Rajan Joshi, a lion expert. Community participation While announcing the survey earlier in March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had commended the active participation of local communities in conservation and emphasised the importance of utilising advanced technologies, including AI, in wildlife conservation. Some lions are radio-collared, to help locate them and their prides. The e-GujForest application also helps in real-time data entry of lion observations, said forest officials. The final findings will be announced by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, officials added. Team in action: Foresters work alongside volunteers in the Gir Sanctuary during field activities On the watch: Foresters accompany observers to monitor lions. On the ground: A view of the reception centre of Sinh Sadan, Sasan, Gir Sanctuary, during the Lion Population Estimation, 2025 in Sasan on May 12. At work: Two forest officials take notes while monitoring lions in the Gir Sanctuary. Wild family: A lioness with four cubs. Eyes on nature: Three camera traps deployed in the Gir Sanctuary. Under lens: Two foresters capture images of a lion. Keeping a watch: The king surveys his lands in Gir Sanctuary. Living with nature: A Maldhari from Dudhala Nes with his livestock in the Gir Sanctuary. In harmony: The Maldharis and their livestock have been coexisting with the lions for long in the sanctuary.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
2025 lion count flagged off from Sasan Gir
Rajkot: State forest minister Mulu Bera on Saturday flagged off the 16th Lion Population Estimation from Sasan Gir , marking its official population counts are conducted every five years. The 2025 estimation will take place in two phases from May 10 to May 13. It will cover 58 talukas in 11 districts, over 35,000 sq km, using the direct beat verification 2020 census had put the official count of Asiatic lions at 674. This time, the region has been divided into regions, zones and sub-zones for the count. For the first time, the operation will include 600 village sarpanches alongside forest department workers, NGOs and citizen volunteers. There are 3,254 volunteers participating in the ensure transparency, experts from diverse fields have been roped in as independent the use of modern technology in the estimation, Bera said tools such as high-resolution cameras and camera traps will be used to collect data. Operation Sindoor After Pak dials India, both sides agree to stop firing; top military officials to talk on May 12 'Armed forces remain operationally ready': India after ceasefire announcement 'Any future act of terror will ...': India's big stand against Pak A hi-tech monitoring unit has been set up at Sasan for data integration and analysis. The final findings will be announced by chief minister Bhupendra lions are radio-collared, which will help locate them and their e-GujForest application will help in real-time data entry of lion observations, enhancing accuracy. This data will be supported with GPS locations and photos. GIS software will also be used to delineate survey areas and develop detailed maps to track lion movements, distribution patterns and habitat use," a forest department official officials present on the occasion included forest secretary Sanjeev Kumar, senior forest officers Jaypalsinh, A P Singh and R K Sugur, Junagadh's wildlife warden Ram Ratan Nala and deputy conservator of forests (Sasan) Dr Mohan State forest minister Mulu Bera on Saturday flagged off the 16th Lion Population Estimation from Sasan Gir, marking its official population counts are conducted every five years. The 2025 estimation will take place in two phases from May 10 to May 13. It will cover 58 talukas in 11 districts, over 35,000 sq km, using the direct beat verification 2020 census had put the official count of Asiatic lions at 674. This time, the region has been divided into regions, zones and sub-zones for the count. For the first time, the operation will include 600 village sarpanches alongside forest department workers, NGOs and citizen volunteers. There are 3,254 volunteers participating in the ensure transparency, experts from diverse fields have been roped in as independent the use of modern technology in the estimation, Bera said tools such as high-resolution cameras and camera traps will be used to collect data. A hi-tech monitoring unit has been set up at Sasan for data integration and analysis. The final findings will be announced by chief minister Bhupendra lions are radio-collared, which will help locate them and their e-GujForest application will help in real-time data entry of lion observations, enhancing accuracy. This data will be supported with GPS locations and photos. GIS software will also be used to delineate survey areas and develop detailed maps to track lion movements, distribution patterns and habitat use," a forest department official officials present on the occasion included forest secretary Sanjeev Kumar, senior forest officers Jaypalsinh, A P Singh and R K Sugur, Junagadh's wildlife warden Ram Ratan Nala and deputy conservator of forests (Sasan) Dr Mohan Ram.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
16th Asiatic lion count using advanced technology begins today
Ahmedabad: The 16th lion population estimate , to be conducted in two phases, will begin on Saturday. The assessment, using the ' direct beat verification ' method, will cover a 35,000 sq km area in the Saurashtra region .The Gir region in Saurashtra has been the sole habitat for Asiatic lions since 1980, with the Gujarat forest department conducting population estimates every five lion count will engage roughly 3,000 trained volunteers, including forest officials from across regional, zonal, and sub-zonal levels. Advanced technological tools, including high-resolution cameras, radio collars, the e-GujForest application, and GIS software, will support the Asiatic lion estimation, with initial counting on May 10-11, will be followed by a final assessment on May 12-13. The count will be spread across 58 talukas where lions have been to govt sources, the 'direct beat verification' approach provides nearly 100% accuracy in statistical analysis and implementation, with a minimal margin of error. This method proved effective across forests, grasslands, coastal areas, and revenue regions for over three Gir and Greater Gir areas will be divided into hierarchical units of regions, zones, and sub-zones. Volunteers will receive forms and area maps to record lion sightings, including observation time, movement direction, gender, age, identifying features, GPS location, and group composition."To identify lions, various tools like high-resolution cameras and camera traps will be used. Some lions have radio collars which will help locate them and their groups. The e-GujForest application will assist in real-time data entry of lion observations, enhancing accuracy, and this data will be supported with GPS locations and photos. Additionally, GIS software will be used to delineate survey areas and develop detailed maps to track lion movements, distribution patterns, and habitat use," said forest department data shows lion populations of 304 in 1995, which rose to 327 in 2001; 359 in 2005; 411 in 2010; 523 in 2015; and 674 in 2020.
