On May 21, Gujarat’s forest department announced the results of India’s first lion population census since 2020. The news is promising: the wild lion population has grown by 32 percent in the last five years, reaching a total of 891 lions. This increase is a significant achievement for conservation efforts focused primarily in Gujarat, particularly in the Gir forest area, where the Gir National Park and Sanctuary was established in 1965.
For the first time, the census revealed that there are more lions in satellite populations—497 lions—than in the core Gir region, which has 394 lions. These satellite populations have emerged in nine districts, including new areas around Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and towns like Jetpur, Babra, and Jasdan.
The state government has identified Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as a potential "second home" for lions. This aligns with the goals of Project Lion, a conservation initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which aims to further support lion populations in Gujarat.
However, experts warn that the rising lion numbers come with challenges. Issues such as human-animal conflict are becoming more pressing. A tragic incident in June, where a lion killed a five-year-old boy in Amreli district, highlights the dangers of coexistence.
The lion population estimation was carried out over two days in May, dividing Gujarat into 735 areas for monitoring. While the methodology involved capturing images of lions for counting, some experts have raised concerns about its reliability, suggesting that more accurate methods, like identifying individual lions through their whisker patterns, should be used.
The increase in lion numbers is attributed to effective state policies and the adaptability of the lions themselves. They thrive as long as there is food and cover available. The Gujarat government compensates farmers for livestock lost to lions, which helps maintain a balance between humans and wildlife. Interestingly, a new coastal district, Bhavnagar, now hosts 212 lions, utilizing the dense shrubbery for protection and feeding.
Despite this growth, the region’s lion population may be nearing its carrying capacity. With only a small portion of their habitat protected, lions are increasingly found in agricultural lands and near human settlements, leading to accidents and conflicts. Experts caution that this situation could lead to more dangerous encounters between lions and people.
While Barda is being promoted as a second home for lions, experts argue that its size and proximity to Gir do not support the idea of a separate, viable population. The sanctuary is much smaller than Gir and has a lower density of prey, making it unlikely to sustain a large lion population long-term.
Conservationists are frustrated by the lack of progress in moving some lions to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, a site identified as suitable for a separate lion population. Despite a Supreme Court order from 2013, the Gujarat government has yet to implement this translocation, raising concerns about the future of the species.
The recent introduction of cheetahs to Kuno has sparked debate about the potential impact on the lion translocation plan. Some experts believe lions could thrive in Kuno and coexist with cheetahs, while others see the cheetah project as a reason to delay lion relocation.
Looking ahead, experts stress the importance of establishing lion populations beyond Gujarat to ensure their long-term survival. The current concentration of lions in one area poses risks, and expanding their range could help mitigate potential threats from natural disasters and human encroachment.