Why is a rising lion inhabitants a fear as effectively? | Defined

File picture of an Asiatic Lioness along with her two Seven-month-old cubs at Sakkarbaugh Safari breeding centre in Junagadh
| Picture Credit score: The Hindu

The story to this point: The Gujarat Forest Division this week launched outcomes from the sixteenth Lion Inhabitants Estimation, popularly known as the ‘lion census.’ This was the primary such census since 2020.

What are its key findings?

India’s wild lion inhabitants, all of which is concentrated in Gujarat, has risen by 32% from 2020-25, with 891 lions reported within the newest survey. The variety of grownup females — an indicator of future development — rose 27% to 330 people. Whereas the guts of the lion inhabitants continues to be Gir, the present inhabitants estimate consists of new satellite tv for pc populations. They’ve been noticed at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetpur and adjoining areas, Babra-Jasdan and adjoining areas, rising the whole variety of Asiatic lions in satellite tv for pc populations to 497 throughout 9 such areas. The lion inhabitants has elevated by 70.36% prior to now decade (523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025), whereas the world of distribution has elevated by 59.09%, the report famous.

Amreli district reported the very best inhabitants of 339 lions. This was adopted by the Gir-Somnath district area (222 lions) and Junagadh (191 lions).

How has the spatial protection of lions grown?

From 1995 to 2001, the world the place lions are current expanded from 10,000 sq. km to 12,000 sq km, marking a 20% improve. By 2005, it reached 13,000 sq. km, displaying an 8.3% rise over the earlier estimate. A extra substantial enlargement occurred between 2005 and 2010, with the world rising to twenty,000 sq. km, a rise of 53.8%. In 2015, the unfold rose additional to 22,000 sq. km, a ten% improve. From 2015 to 2020, the vary prolonged to 30,000 sq. km, reflecting a 36.4% development. Lastly, by 2025, the world reached 35,000 sq. km, registering a 16.67% improve over the 2020 determine. This progressive enlargement demonstrates constant vary development and is attributed to conservation efforts and pure lion dispersal. From 1990 to 2025, the world has grown about five-fold whereas the lion inhabitants has grown about three-fold.

How are lions counted?

The newest survey was undertaken from Could 10-13, 2025. The estimation spanned roughly 35,000 sq km, masking 11 districts and 58 tehsils. The area was divided into 735 sampling items and every sampling unit had an enumerator and two assistants, guaranteeing thorough survey and knowledge assortment. “Observations of direct sightings had been recorded within the prescribed varieties, together with the traits of every particular person. Digital cameras had been used to seize images to help particular person identification. The cross-verification with adjoining sampling items, sub-zones, zones, and areas helped guarantee accuracy and take away the duplication,” the report famous. To enhance transparency and credibility, specialists from varied fields, members of the State board for wildlife, and people skilled in group dynamics and delight behaviour had been invited as impartial observers. The estimation train concerned 3,254 individuals, the report famous.

Can the lion inhabitants increase unabated?

The expansion in lion numbers, whereas a optimistic signal so far as conservation goes, has its personal challenges. For one, the rise in lion presence in areas exterior the core zone — a phenomenon noticed since over a decade and a half now — is a fear. This implies lions are current in locations with human settlements, which can result in extra animal-human conflicts inflicting financial losses for these residing in shut proximity to the lions. It has been established over a long time that lions are rising in Gujarat not solely as a consequence of conservation efforts by the Gujarat authorities, corresponding to guaranteeing enough prey like wild boars, but in addition the “tolerance” exhibited by resident communities just like the pastoral Maldharis in the direction of the animals. Over time, they’ve proven that they’re accustomed to lions preying on their cattle, although such losses are compensated for by the federal government. Nonetheless, specialists corresponding to Y.V. Jhala, former Dean, Wildlife Institute of India, have mentioned that whereas Gujarat can host as much as 2,000 lions, it’s essential that they reside in pristine areas, with ideally no human presence.

What are future plans for lion conservation?

Earlier this 12 months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted a ‘Challenge Lion’ conservation programme value ₹2,927 crore. Step one underneath that is to develop the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary inside Gujarat which already hosts a considerable inhabitants of 17 lions. Different plans embrace involving communities in tourism and creating larger incentives for conservation.