This Lion Population Reaches Record High

The Asiatic lion population of Gujarat, India, has increased by 32% over five years, a record high. Individuals now roam within their traditional habitat and beyond, including non-forested and coastal areas.

“Estimated population of Asiatic lions has increased to 891,” states Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

In 2020, there were 674 Asiatic lions in Gujarat. The 16^th and latest census covered 35,000 km² across 58 talukas of 11 districts with the help of 3,000 volunteers, including regional, zonal, and sub-zonal officers, enumerators, assistant enumerators, and inspectors. The final tally was 891 Asiatic lions – 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs. Once confined to the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Junagadh and Amreli districts, the big cats are now roaming across 11 districts of Saurashtra. There are 384 lions in Gir National Park and 507 outside its limits. The state Forest Department conducts a lion census every five years.