Did the 16th census reveal 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat?
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Synopsis
In a significant conservation milestone, Gujarat's latest lion census confirms the presence of 891 Asiatic lions, highlighting the success of the state's wildlife protection efforts. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel credits Project Lion for this achievement, showcasing the dedication of the forest department.
Key Takeaways
- The recent census confirmed 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat.
- The census was conducted over four days with significant personnel involvement.
- Project Lion has been pivotal in lion population growth.
- The lion population is expanding beyond Gir National Park.
- This achievement highlights Gujarat's commitment to wildlife conservation.
Gandhinagar, May 21 (NationPress) The 16th census of the lion population in Gujarat has concluded, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel revealing the findings on Wednesday.
The latest count shows a total of 891 lions, a noteworthy achievement that highlights the state's commitment to wildlife conservation, particularly through initiatives like Project Lion.
This extensive survey covered a massive area of 35,000 sq km across 58 talukas in 11 districts, conducted over four days from May 10 to 13, with the involvement of 3,254 personnel.
The detailed operation was executed in two stages: an initial 'direct beat verification' on May 10 and 11, followed by the final enumeration on May 12 and 13.
The comprehensive survey included districts such as Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Botad.
Teams worked tirelessly in forests, coastal regions, grasslands, and revenue areas to track lion movements and habitat patterns.
Unlike their African counterparts, Asiatic lions once roamed from the Middle East to India — but by the early 20th century, they faced near extinction due to hunting and habitat degradation.
Currently, their population is confined mainly to the Gir forest.
While presenting the statistics in Gandhinagar, Chief Minister Patel emphasized the increasing number of Asiatic lions as proof of Gujarat's effective conservation policies.
“This landmark achievement showcases the unwavering dedication of our forest department and the success of government-supported initiatives like Project Lion,” he stated.
The Project Lion initiative aims to enhance habitat management, wildlife health monitoring, and community participation, playing a crucial role in the consistent growth of lion populations over the years.
While detailed demographic data is still being compiled, preliminary figures indicate there are 196 adult males, with the remainder comprising females, cubs, and sub-adults.
The lion population, once primarily limited to Gir National Park, is now gradually expanding into new territories — a positive indication of enhanced habitat connectivity and stability.
Point of View
The recent census of Asiatic lions in Gujarat illustrates a commendable success in wildlife conservation. The numbers not only reflect the state's rigorous efforts but also emphasize the importance of sustained initiatives like Project Lion. This achievement serves as a model for other regions seeking to preserve their natural heritage.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the 16th lion census reveal?
The 16th lion census in Gujarat confirmed the presence of 891 Asiatic lions across 11 districts.
When was the census conducted?
The census took place over four days, from May 10 to 13.
What is Project Lion?
Project Lion is an initiative aimed at enhancing habitat management and community involvement to support lion conservation.
How many personnel were involved in the census?
A total of 3,254 personnel participated in the census operations.
Where are Asiatic lions primarily found today?
Asiatic lions are primarily found in and around the Gir forest in Gujarat.
