1k hectares grassland in Barda sanctuary to help more lions roar

Time of India

09-07-2025

Rajkot: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Porbandar district is steadily coming into its own as a natural extension of lion territory. Once a quiet reserve, Barda is now at the heart of a major conservation effort to create a self-sustaining habitat for
Asiatic lions
.
The forest department has launched a project focused on restoring native grasslands and strengthening the prey base — laying the groundwork for lions to thrive here on their own.
Spread across 1,000 hectares, the sanctuary is undergoing a green revival. Invasive plant species are being cleared on a large scale, and native grasses are being cultivated to support herbivores that form the base of the lion's food chain.
According to the latest lion census, Barda is now home to 17 lions. The first — a solitary male — arrived naturally. Soon after, five lionesses were translocated to the sanctuary, and their successful mating led to the birth of 11 cubs. With this, Barda has proven itself as a naturally viable habitat. Forest officials have taken a hands-off approach, allowing the population to grow organically.
The groundwork for this success was laid years ago.
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In 2014, the forest department set up a breeding centre for Sambar and spotted deer. Since then, hundreds of herbivores born in captivity have been released into the wild, helping to establish a solid prey base for the growing lion population.
But restoring the landscape hasn't been easy. Deputy conservator of forests, Ravi Prasad Radhakrishna, pointed out that invasive species — such as single acacia (Acacia nilotica), Lantana camara, and Cassia tora — have posed a major challenge.
"These alien species prevent native grasses from germinating," he said. "We've launched an intensive removal drive and are promoting native grass species to rebuild a healthy ecosystem for herbivores.
"
Experts believe birds may have unknowingly contributed to the spread of these invasives, either by carrying seeds on their feathers or excreting them after feeding elsewhere.
"Barda is increasingly seen as Gujarat's second home for lions," Radhakrishna said.
"With lions naturally dispersing into the area, we're shaping the habitat to support that expansion. In time, we expect the population to reach ecological saturation."
The sanctuary now also hosts Nilgai and wild boar — adding further richness to the food chain. Officials believe Barda has the potential to support up to 40 to 50 lions in total.
Recognizing its ecological promise, the forest department has also launched a jungle safari to boost eco-tourism and raise public awareness—inviting people to witness the quiet revival of a forest now finding its roar.