2025 lion count flagged off from Sasan Gir

Time of India

10-05-2025

Rajkot: State forest minister Mulu Bera on Saturday flagged off the 16th
Lion Population Estimation
from
Sasan Gir
, marking its official start.Lion 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 method.The 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 exercise.To ensure transparency, experts from diverse fields have been roped in as independent observers.Emphasizing 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.
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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 Patel.Some lions are radio-collared, which will help locate them and their prides.The 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 said.Senior 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.Rajkot: State forest minister Mulu Bera on Saturday flagged off the 16th Lion Population Estimation from Sasan Gir, marking its official start.Lion 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 method.The 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 exercise.To ensure transparency, experts from diverse fields have been roped in as independent observers.Emphasizing 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 Patel.Some lions are radio-collared, which will help locate them and their prides.The 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 said.Senior 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.