Paper: GS – III, Subject: Environment and Ecology, Topic: Biodiversity and Conservation, Issue: Lion Population Census 2025.
Context:
The population of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) in Gujarat has risen significantly, increasing from 674 to 891 over the past five years, as per the 16th Lion Census 2025 conducted by the Gujarat Forest Department.
Key Takeaways:
What is Project Lion?
- Project Lion: Announced in 2020, Project Lion is a long-term initiative aimed at securing the future of Asiatic lions by creating a sustainable environment that enhances the overall health of their ecosystems.
- The project, being implemented in the Gir landscape in Gujarat, focuses on habitat improvement, the use of advanced technologies such as radio-collaring and camera traps for monitoring, and the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict.
- The Gujarat Forest Department plays a central role in implementing these conservation measures, conducting regular lion censuses to track population trends and health.
Factors Contributing to Success Government Efforts:
- The growth is attributed to favorable geographic and climatic conditions, along with dedicated efforts from the Gujarat government.
- Conservation Status: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) upgraded the Asiatic lion’s status from “critically endangered” to “endangered” in 2008, reflecting the positive recovery trend.
While Gujarat’s efforts have helped the Asiatic lion population grow significantly, sustaining this success demands urgent habitat diversification, reduced human conflict, proactive relocation, and scientific management. Without these, the future of the lion may be at risk despite today’s achievements.
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