16th Asiatic Lion Census

Prelims: Conservation | Ecology and Environment | Government Initiatives | Current events of national and international importance.

Why in News?

The 16^th census (2025) on Asiatic Lion by Gujarat Government marks the highest population since conservation efforts began.

The Asiatic lion census is conducted once every 5 years by the Gujarat Forest Department under the State Government.

Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica)

Habitat & Distribution – It is endemic to India, found only in the Gir Forest region of Saurashtra, Gujarat.
Current range includes Gir National Park, Girnar, Mitiyala, Pania, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, and adjoining areas.
Physical Characteristics – It is slightly smaller than African lions.
Threats - Single population risk that is all lions in one geographical region, habitat fragmentation and human animal conflict.
Single population risk - All lions in one geographical region.
habitat fragmentation, human-lion conflict.
Conservation status:
- Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- IUCN Status - Endangered (earlier Critically Endangered until 2008).

Record Population Growth - It records 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat that is a 32% increase from 2020.
Expanded Lion Range - The lions now occupy 35,000 sq km across 58 talukas in 11 districts, up from 30,000 sq km in 2020 which is a 17% range expansion in five years.
New Habitats Identified - Lions have colonised areas like Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetpur, and Babra-Jasdan, indicating the species' adaptability beyond Gir Forest.

Significance of the Rise

It reflects successful conservation efforts by the Gujarat government.
IUCN status upgraded from Critically Endangered to Endangered in 2008.
It demonstrates the lion’s natural range expansion and adaptive recovery.

Project Lion

Project Lion was launched to ensure long-term survival of Asiatic lions through habitat diversification and scientific monitoring.
Launched in 2020
Focus Areas - It promotes meta-population management, creation of new lion habitats, and use of technology like GPS tracking and drone surveillance.
Proposed Relocations - Initially identified seven sites across India (including Kuno), though later limited to sites within Gujarat, such as Barda Sanctuary.

Reference