Every year on August 10, stakeholders worldwide celebrate World Lion Day to raise awareness about declining lion populations in the wild. The story of lion conservation in Africa highlights threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, which must be addressed in broader landscape conservation efforts. In contrast, lion conservation in India, particularly in the Gir and Greater Gir landscapes of Gujarat, stands out as one of the most notable successes among the world’s big cats.

Historically, the Asiatic lion inhabited regions across Asia, spanning from Persia and Mesopotamia to the Indian subcontinent. Overhunting and habitat loss diminished their numbers, leaving only around 40-60 lions in the Gir forests and nearby areas by the early 1900s. The princely State of Junagadh was among the first to protect the species, offering it a better chance of survival. In 1965, India established its first protected area for lions: the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. As numbers rose, lions expanded into new territories, which prompted the creation of further protected zones, including Gir National Park and wildlife sanctuaries such as Girnar, Mitiyala, Pania, and Barda.

The 16th Asiatic lion population estimates (May 2025) reveal there are 891 lions in India, a 32% rise from 674 in 2020. Under the environmentally sensitive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the lions’ range has expanded from around 30,000 sq. km in 2020 to nearly 35,000 sq. km, covering 11 districts. In comparison, in 1990, their range was only about 6,600 sq. km, representing over........

© hindustantimes