Latest news with #16thLionPopulationEstimation
India Today
06-06-2025
- General
- India Today
India Today Magazine: Top News Magazine online, Edition, June 09, 2025
The Asiatic lion population is on the rise in Gujarat and its habitats are expanding, reveals the 16th Lion Population Estimation carried out in May. Spanning 35,000 sq. km, the survey also throws up sobering facts about challenges this upswing poses
News18
26-05-2025
- General
- News18
Why Having More Lions Could Be A Worry For India, What Does The 2025 Census Say? Explained
Last Updated: An increase in lion population could pose significant challenges in terms of human-wildlife conflict, habitat constraints, and ecological sustainability A 'lion census' was conducted in Gujarat's Gir National Park and surrounding areas after nearly five years, which showed the population of big cats has risen more than 30% since 2020. But the survey has also highlighted a worrying phenomenon about growth in lion numbers outside the core zone. Let us understand how a lion census is conducted in India, what are the challenges of a growing lion population and what is the government's future conservation programme. How Is A Lion Census Conducted? The lion census is conducted through Direct Beat Verification (DBV) or block count, a primary method used since 2000. It divides the census area into smaller units called 'beats" (forest areas) and 'clusters" (3-10 villages outside forests). Enumerators count lions based on direct sightings, focusing on water points where lions gather during the dry season (April-May) to drink at least once every 24 hours. The DBV is cost-effective, less-time consuming and adaptable to technology, with new-zero statistical error due to structured data collection. 'Observations of direct sightings were recorded in the prescribed forms, including the characteristics of each individual. Digital cameras were used to capture photographs to aid individual identification. The cross-verification with adjacent sampling units, sub-zones, zones, and regions helped ensure accuracy and remove the duplication," the 16th Lion Population Estimation report noted. Nearly 3,245 people were involved in the exercise, the report noted. The latest survey was undertaken from May 10-13, spanning around 35,000 sq km, covering 11 districts and 58 tehsils. The region was divided into 735 sampling units and each sampling unit had an enumerator and two assistants, ensuring thorough survey and data collection. The population of wild lions in India rose by 32% from 2020-25, with 891 lions reported in the last survey. The number of adult female lions increased by 20% to 330 lions. Most of the lion population is concentrated in Gir, but the current estimate also included new satellite populations. As per a Hindu report, lions were spotted at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetpur, Babra-Jasdan and adjoining areas, increasing the total number of Asiatic lions in satellite populations to 497 across nine such regions. There is an estimated increase of 70.36% in the population in the past decade (523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025), whereas the area of distribution has increased by 59.09%, the report noted. Amreli district reported the highest population of 339 lions. This was followed by the Gir-Somnath district region (222 lions) and Junagadh (191 lions). How An Increase In Lion Population Can Be A Challenge? An increase in lion population could pose significant challenges, particularly in terms of human-wildlife conflict, habitat constraints, and ecological sustainability. Increase in Human-Animal Conflict: More lions mean more preying on livestock, causing economic losses for farmers. In 2023, Gujarat reported 1,200 livestock attacks annually, with compensation costs rising to Rs 20 crore yearly. Human injuries and rare fatalities (e.g., three deaths in 2019) fuel local resentment, despite lions' generally non-aggressive nature toward humans. Habitat Constraints: Gir National Park and its sanctuaries (Girnar, Mitiyala, Pania) cover 1,400 sq km, but the lion population's density (4-5 lions per 100 sq km in Gir) exceeds optimal carrying capacity. This forces sub-adults to disperse into satellite areas, up to 100 km away, where habitat quality is lower. Fragmented corridors will expose lions to roads, railways and human settlements. Limited Genetic Diversity: The 2018 canine distemper virus (CDV) outbreak killed 23 lions, and babesiosis in 2020 claimed others. The small gene pool increases susceptibility to diseases. A 2020 study by the Wildlife Institute of India found low genetic variation, making the population vulnerable to epidemics like CDV. How To Mitigate Challenges? Experts advocate relocating lions to other states like Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, to reduce Gir's pressure and create a second population for genetic resilience. The Supreme Court had nearly 12 years ago set a six-month deadline for shifting lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh, and seven years since Gujarat assured the apex court that this order would be implemented. Since the initial launch of 'Project Lion' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, seven sites, including three each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, for relocation, have been identified. But the government told the Supreme Court in 2022 that the suitability of a new habitat for lions was limited to potential sites only within Gujarat. top videos View all As per the project, the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary within Gujarat will be developed. The sanctuary is already hosting a substantial population of 17 lions. Other plans include involving communities in tourism and creating greater incentives for conservation. Scaling up awareness campaigns to educate villagers on lion behaviour and safety could help conserve lion's population. Community-led patrols, as piloted in Amreli, can deter lions from villages. First Published: May 26, 2025, 13:55 IST
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Why is a growing lion population a worry as well?
The story so far: The Gujarat Forest Department this week released results from the 16th Lion Population Estimation, popularly referred to as the 'lion census.' This was the first such census since 2020. What are its key findings? India's wild lion population, all of which is concentrated in Gujarat, has risen by 32% from 2020-25, with 891 lions reported in the latest survey. The number of adult females — an indicator of future growth — rose 27% to 330 individuals. While the heart of the lion population continues to be Gir, the current population estimate includes new satellite populations. They have been spotted at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetpur and adjoining areas, Babra-Jasdan and adjoining areas, increasing the total number of Asiatic lions in satellite populations to 497 across nine such regions. The lion population has increased by 70.36% in the past decade (523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025), whereas the area of distribution has increased by 59.09%, the report noted. Amreli district reported the highest population of 339 lions. This was followed by the Gir-Somnath district region (222 lions) and Junagadh (191 lions). How has the spatial coverage of lions grown? From 1995 to 2001, the area where lions are present expanded from 10,000 sq. km to 12,000 sq km, marking a 20% increase. By 2005, it reached 13,000 sq. km, showing an 8.3% rise over the previous estimate. A more substantial expansion occurred between 2005 and 2010, with the area growing to 20,000 sq. km, an increase of 53.8%. In 2015, the spread rose further to 22,000 sq. km, a 10% increase. From 2015 to 2020, the range extended to 30,000 sq. km, reflecting a 36.4% growth. Finally, by 2025, the area reached 35,000 sq. km, registering a 16.67% increase over the 2020 figure. This progressive expansion demonstrates consistent range growth and is attributed to conservation efforts and natural lion dispersal. From 1990 to 2025, the area has grown about five-fold whereas the lion population has grown about three-fold. How are lions counted? The latest survey was undertaken from May 10-13, 2025. The estimation spanned approximately 35,000 sq km, covering 11 districts and 58 tehsils. The region was divided into 735 sampling units and each sampling unit had an enumerator and two assistants, ensuring thorough survey and data collection. 'Observations of direct sightings were recorded in the prescribed forms, including the characteristics of each individual. Digital cameras were used to capture photographs to aid individual identification. The cross-verification with adjacent sampling units, sub-zones, zones, and regions helped ensure accuracy and remove the duplication,' the report noted. To improve transparency and credibility, experts from various fields, members of the State board for wildlife, and individuals experienced in group dynamics and pride behaviour were invited as independent observers. The estimation exercise involved 3,254 people, the report noted. Can the lion population expand unabated? The growth in lion numbers, while a positive sign as far as conservation goes, has its own challenges. For one, the rise in lion presence in areas outside the core zone — a phenomenon observed since over a decade and a half now — is a worry. This means lions are present in places with human settlements, which may lead to more animal-human conflicts causing economic losses for those living in close proximity to the lions. It has been established over decades that lions are growing in Gujarat not only due to conservation efforts by the Gujarat government, such as ensuring adequate prey like wild boars, but also the 'tolerance' exhibited by resident communities like the pastoral Maldharis towards the animals. Over the years, they have shown that they are accustomed to lions preying on their cattle, though such losses are compensated for by the government. However, experts such as Y.V. Jhala, former Dean, Wildlife Institute of India, have said that while Gujarat can host up to 2,000 lions, it is critical that they live in pristine regions, with preferably no human presence. What are future plans for lion conservation? Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a 'Project Lion' conservation programme worth ₹2,927 crore. The first step under this is to develop the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary within Gujarat which already hosts a substantial population of 17 lions. Other plans include involving communities in tourism and creating greater incentives for conservation.
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Indian Express
Gujarat Confidential: Global ‘Pride'
The population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has reached a record high of 891. The figure was announced Wednesday by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel while releasing the findings of 16th Lion Population Estimation conducted by the Forest Department earlier this month. Interestingly, the figure 891 was echoed in a post on X by Director General of Police Vikas Sahay Thursday. The DGP posted pictures of his visit to Gir after completion of the estimation survey with sightings of five lions. He wrote, '5 out of the 891. Had the privilege of being amongst them soon after the 16th survey was completed. Project Lion is a matter of global pride, pun intended.'
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
PM Modi lauds rise in Asiatic lion population in Gujarat
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, on Wednesday, released the figures of the 16th Lion Population Estimation, according to which the population of Asiatic lions has recorded an increase of around 32% compared to the 15th lion census, conducted in 2020. The population of Asiatic lions has increased to 891 from 674 in 2020. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness at the rise in the population of lions in Gujarat. The Prime Minister was reacting to Chief Minister Patel's post on X. Modi said, 'It is very encouraging information. It is heartening to note that the efforts under 'Project Lion' are providing them (lions) a conducive environment and ensuring their protection.'
