asiatic lions

Warn Of Loss Of Crucial Habitat, Increased Risk Of Human-Animal Conflict

The forest department has placed radio collars on at least 25 asiatic lions in Gir and Greater Gir forest area in the past 10 days.

In the heart of Gujarat’s wilderness, a striking imbalance within the Asiatic lion population has captured the attention of researchers and conservationists. While everywhere else in the state, the ratio is one lion to two lionesses, Bhavnagar mainland and coastal region have two for every lioness.

The wait is over. The Mysore Zoo on Sunday said pure asiatic lions from Gujarat have arrived at the conservation centre, thanks to ace cricketer Anil Kumble, the vice chairman of Karnataka wildlife board, who persuaded Gujarat CM Narendra Modi to spare the wild cats for the zoo.

Pugmarks of asiatic lions have been spotted in Gujarat's Surendranagar district for the first time, forest department officials have confirmed.

The Gujarat forest department's initiative of involving local population by appointing 'vanprani mitra' (wildlife friends) in the last abode of asiatic lions -- Gir Sanctuary -- has paid off as they have become an important factor in conservation of this endangered species.

asiatic lions are in high demand in zoos across the globe, and Gujarat being the only abode of the endangered species is at a greater advantage. The exclusivity of the asiatic lions has helped Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Junagadh get more species and animals in exchange of a few lions.

Ahead of the arrival of Shaurya (in picture), an Asiatic lion from Gujarat, Mysuru Zoo authorities are bracing to breed asiatic lions in captivity, probably for the first time.

In great news for wildlife conservation, India has recorded 29% increase in population of asiatic lions, living in Gujarat Gir forest, in past five years — from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020. The period also saw 36% increase in distribution area of the lions from 22000 sq. km in 2015 to 30000 sq. km in 2020. Currently, asiatic lions are found in protected areas and agro-pastoral landscape of Saurashtra, covering nine districts, in Gujarat.

Gir is poised to lose its status as the exclusive home of the Asiatic lion. Two pairs of the lions obtained from zoos will be let loose in the Kuno Palpur sanctuary shortly for breeding.