Gandhinagar– Gujarat has successfully completed its 16th Asiatic lion population census, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announcing a total of 891 lions now thriving across 11 districts in the state. The figures reflect a continuing upward trend in lion numbers and underscore the effectiveness of Gujarat’s long-standing conservation efforts, including the government-backed Project Lion.
The four-day census, held from May 10 to 13, covered an extensive area of 35,000 square kilometers, spanning 58 talukas in districts such as Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Botad.
A total of 3,254 forest personnel participated in the extensive operation, which was conducted in two phases: the initial “direct beat verification” on May 10 and 11, followed by the final enumeration on May 12 and 13.
Field teams worked day and night across forests, coastal zones, grasslands, and revenue lands, monitoring lion movements, habitats, and behavior. This massive effort aimed to provide an accurate snapshot of the distribution and health of the last remaining population of Asiatic lions in the world, which now extends well beyond the boundaries of Gir National Park.
Speaking in Gandhinagar, Chief Minister Patel described the census results as a milestone achievement. “This growing population of Asiatic lions is a direct result of the relentless efforts of our forest department and the robust measures under Project Lion,” he said.
Project Lion, a flagship initiative of the state, focuses on habitat management, wildlife health monitoring, and community engagement. It has played a pivotal role in the species’ recovery and the expansion of its habitat range.
Preliminary figures from the census indicate that of the 891 lions counted, 196 are adult males, while the rest include females, sub-adults, and cubs. A more detailed demographic breakdown is expected in the coming weeks.
Unlike their African counterparts, Asiatic lions once roamed from the Middle East to India, but due to extensive hunting and habitat loss, their numbers dwindled drastically by the early 20th century. Today, they survive exclusively in and around the Gir forest region, making Gujarat the sole guardian of this endangered subspecies.
Importantly, officials noted that the lions are now expanding into new territories beyond traditional protected zones—an encouraging sign of improved habitat connectivity and ecological stability.
The 2025 census not only reaffirms Gujarat’s leadership in wildlife conservation but also strengthens hopes for the long-term survival of the Asiatic lion, a symbol of both India’s natural heritage and Gujarat’s conservation success. (Source: IANS)
