Victory in the Wilderness: Asiatic Lion Population Rises in Gujarat

Gujarat has emerged as a beacon of hope in a world where many wildlife species are on the verge of extinction. The state has seen a dramatic turnaround in the strength of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), one of India's most iconic and threatened species, with an estimated 891 lions counted as of May 2025, up from 674 in 2020, marking an important conservation milestone.

(Source: deccanherald.com)

Gujarat's conservation efforts have paid off, as the 16th Asiatic Lion Census, released by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, reports a whopping 32.2% boost in the lion population in the last five years. This spurt, with the addition of 217 new lions, has made Gujarat the last natural sanctuary for this magnificent creature. From being restricted largely to the Gir National Park, these magnificent big cats are now pointing towards a substantial expansion of their domain, spanning 11 districts in the Saurashtra region. Chief Minister Patel credited this achievement to the geography, climate, and to the state government's consistent and careful approach to wildlife conservation.

After the stunning growth, the Chief Minister referred to the steady rise: from 327 lions in 2001 to 359 in 2005, 411 in 2010, 523 in 2015, and 674 in 2020, reaching this current 891. One of the factors behind the success, as credited by the Chief Minister, is the change in census practice introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as the Chief Minister. Prime Minister Modi himself congratulated Gujarat's achievement, tweeting on the social networking site, "exciting information! It's heartening to see that the efforts under 'Project Lion' are paving the way and ensuring the protection of lions in Gujarat". The new tally suggests a population boom and an extensive geographical reach.

Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, claimed that 507 lions had been sighted outside Gir's traditional boundary, while 384 remained within the sanctuary. The lion stronghold extends to protected zones like Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar, and Barda sanctuaries. Interestingly, 17 lions were seen in Barda, merely 15 km from Porbandar, and Bhavnagar district saw a stunning pride of 17 lions in a single group.

This massive wildlife mapping was the outcome of a carefully planned four-day census, conducted on May 10-13, across 35,000 sq km in 58 local areas. This phenomenal increase in population and habitat is a testament to the Asiatic lion's resilience and the Gujarat Forest Department. It echoes a genuine and reassuring ecological achievement of the modern world.

Author: Pritha Mukherjee
Pritha is a student of B.A. Journalism and Mass Communication, 1st year, School of Media and Communication, Adamas University