Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Saurashtra region is capable of sustaining a long-term population of Asiatic lions, according to a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One. The sanctuary now hosts 17 of the endangered big cats, who returned naturally after an absence of nearly 144 years — a milestone that researchers say marks a pivotal moment in the species' conservation beyond its sole traditional stronghold at Gir.

What the Study Found

The research, titled 'Beyond Gir: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as a Potential Stronghold for Asiatic Lions', assessed the sanctuary's suitability by examining lions' space use, habitat preferences, social interactions, and diet. Spread across 192.31 sq. km and principally covering Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, Barda was found to provide suitable habitat, adequate prey resources, and favourable ecological conditions to sustain the species over the long term.

The study was conducted by Mohan Ram (IFS), Aradhana Sahu (IFS), Nityanand Srivastava (IFS), Rohit Chaudhary, Lahar Jhala, and Yashpal Zala, associated with the Gujarat Forest Department and Banda University of Agriculture and Technology.

How Researchers Tracked the Lions

Six lions — one male and five females — were radio-collared for the study, generating more than 1,69,000 GPS locations between January 2023 and July 2025. The data showed the animals actively using the sanctuary's forests and grasslands, establishing home ranges, and forming social associations. The lions began recolonising Barda naturally following the dispersal of a single male, after which the Gujarat Forest Department introduced five females to augment the population.

What Government Officials Said

Forests and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia called the research 'very significant from the Asiatic lion's conservation perspective,' adding that Barda can serve as a population buffer for lions dispersing from the southwestern side of Gir. 'Protecting such satellite habitats and maintaining connectivity between them will be essential for the species' long-term survival,' he said. He noted that the state government, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, remains committed to the lion's long-term survival.

Minister of State for Forests and Environment Pravin Mali said vacant frontline staff positions had been filled on priority, eight full-time lion trackers had been deployed to monitor the animals daily, and rapid-response mechanisms for human-wildlife conflict had been strengthened.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Jaipal Singh said that during 2025-26, 441 chitals (spotted deer) were translocated from Gir Wildlife Sanctuary to Barda to bolster the prey base. Since 2007, hundreds of spotted deer have also been released through captive-breeding efforts, while sambar deer have been bred and released in the sanctuary.

Ecotourism and Community Involvement

Ecotourism activities in Barda began in 2024, creating work opportunities for local residents as nature guides and safari operators, according to Ram Ratan Nala (IFS), Conservator of Forests, Junagadh (Wildlife) Circle. The sanctuary received 2,271 visitors in its first year, rising to 3,359 in 2025-26 — an increase of approximately 48%. Local communities are also participating in invasive-species removal, restoration of degraded areas, and construction of firebreaks. Around 3,200 hectares were covered by habitat-improvement work this year.

Why This Matters for Lion Conservation

The Asiatic lion is currently found in the wild only in India, making every viable habitat expansion critical to the species' survival. The PLOS One findings underscore that the Gir ecosystem — long the sole refuge — need not remain the only lifeline. Barda's floral diversity, including a range of medicinal plants, adds further ecological value. With connectivity between Gir and Barda increasingly recognised as vital, conservationists and forest officials are expected to push for formal wildlife corridor protections in the months ahead.