Gujarat to Implement AI-Driven Lion Census Across 11 Districts from May 10-13
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Synopsis
The upcoming lion census in Gujarat, scheduled for May 10-13, will utilize AI technology for accurate counting of Asiatic lions across 11 districts, marking a significant advancement in wildlife conservation efforts.
Key Takeaways
- AI will enhance lion counting accuracy.
- Census spans 11 districts, including Gir National Park.
- Last census recorded 674 lions, showcasing population growth.
- Involvement of local communities is crucial for conservation.
- Real-time data is essential for health monitoring.
Gandhinagar, April 10 (NationPress) The forthcoming lion census in Gujarat is set to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) for counting the splendid Asiatic lions, marking a pivotal advancement in the fusion of technology with wildlife conservation.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Gujarat Forest Department, will take place from May 10 to 13, covering 11 districts, including the renowned Gir National Park, which is home to the world’s only wild population of Asiatic lions.
Forest Minister Mulu Bera unveiled this plan on Wednesday, deeming it a significant milestone.
“The lion census will occur not only in Gir but also across all regions where lions are known to inhabit. Our team, along with NGOs and committed volunteers, will operate continuously in two 24-hour phases. AI and other technological tools will enhance accuracy and efficiency,” he stated.
This AI-centric approach is anticipated to simplify the traditionally manual counting process, which involved physically locating lions, documenting data, and mapping their movements using GPS and photographs.
With AI-powered data analysis, image recognition, and real-time tracking systems, the census aims to provide quicker, more dependable population estimates.
Once teetering on the brink of extinction, the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) has experienced a remarkable resurgence, thanks to decades of conservation initiatives—predominantly in Gir, the species' last natural habitat.
The last official census in 2020, executed via the Poonam Avlokan method, documented 674 lions, reflecting a 29 percent increase from the 2015 count of 523 lions. These lions symbolize not just Gujarat’s pride but also a global success story in conservation.
Currently, their habitat extends beyond Gir into regions like Amreli, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Botad, Porbandar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Surendranagar.
Officials confirm that lions have acclimatized to new environments, including coastal areas and revenue lands outside protected forests, generating both excitement and concerns regarding human-wildlife interactions.
This year’s census is particularly crucial. Although these exercises typically occur every five years, the pandemic hindered the full-scale count in 2020, leading to reliance on a modified estimation method.
Thus, the 2024 census will mark the first thorough lion count in nearly a decade, offering vital insights into population growth, migration patterns, and habitat pressures.
Wildlife specialists stress that AI tools will not only assist in identifying individual lions through facial recognition and stripe-pattern analysis but will also evaluate their health, movement trajectories, and potential conflict zones.
“Incorporating AI into the census could revolutionize the process. It can swiftly analyze thousands of camera trap images, identify anomalies, and minimize human error,” remarked a senior forest official in Junagadh.
The Gujarat government has consistently prioritized lion conservation, focusing on habitat expansion, prey base enhancement, and veterinary support. Furthermore, new lion rescue and interpretation centers have been established in locations such as Jasadhar and Devaliya.
Engagement with local communities, particularly the Maldhari families who graze livestock near Gir forest, remains essential. These families have been instrumental in safeguarding the big cats.
Volunteers and NGOs are also anticipated to play a crucial role in this year’s census, as their involvement not only aids the state in data collection but also promotes awareness and conservation-oriented tourism.
The Forest Department’s decision to embrace AI comes in response to heightened concerns regarding habitat saturation, lion dispersal into human settlements, and disease risks, such as the canine distemper virus that impacted Gir’s lion population in 2018. Experts emphasize the necessity for real-time data to strategize for corridor connectivity and health monitoring.
