Roaring success: Lion number at Gir up 29%

Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 10

The population of the majestic Asiatic Lion in Gujarat’s Gir sanctuary is up by almost 29 per cent. The “good news” was announced by PM Narendra Modi. He said geographically their distribution area too had increased by 36 per cent.

“Kudos to the people of Gujarat and all those whose efforts have led to this excellent feat. Over the last several years, the lion population in Gujarat has been steadily rising. This is powered by community participation, emphasis on technology, wildlife healthcare, proper habitat management and steps to minimise human-lion conflict. Hope this positive trend continues,” the PM tweeted.

According to a survey called “Poonam Avlokan”, the population of the Asiatic Lion (674) has shown an increase rate of 28.87 per cent, the highest so far. The growth rate in 2015 was 27 per cent. According to a statement issued by the Chief Wildlife Warden of Gujarat, the distribution area has increased from 22,000 sq km in 2015 to 30,000 sq km in 2020, a rise of 36 per cent.

The population survey is held every five years. The last exercise was conducted in May 2015 which put their number at 523, a 27 per cent increase from the estimation in 2010. The 15th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation was scheduled for June 5-6 but due to the Covid-induced lockdown, it could not be conducted.

Subsequently, the Gujarat Forest Department conducted exercise “Poonam Avlokan” using Direct Beat Verification, also known as Block Count Method.