Record Growth in Lion Numbers
India’s Triumph in Asiatic Lion Conservation: India has achieved a historic milestone in wildlife conservation with a 70% surge in the Asiatic lion population over the last decade. From just 284 lions in 1990, the count has climbed to 891 by 2025, marking one of the most successful large carnivore recovery stories in the world.
Static GK fact: The Asiatic lion exists only in India, making the nation its sole natural habitat.
Range and Natural Environment
These lions thrive in dry deciduous woodlands and grassy scrublands spread across the southwestern Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Presently, their main stronghold is the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Protection Classification
The species holds a Vulnerable status under the IUCN Red List. It receives the highest protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and is included in Appendix I of CITES, preventing any commercial exploitation.
Distinct Features
Asiatic lions are slightly smaller compared to their African counterparts and possess a unique belly fold. They breed throughout the year, without a defined mating season.
Strategic Conservation Measures
Project Lion
Introduced in 2020, this initiative aims to improve habitat quality, employ radio-collars and camera traps for scientific monitoring, and reduce human-lion conflict.
Greater Gir Expansion Plan
This strategy seeks to distribute lion populations beyond Gir to new areas like Girnar, Pania, and Mitiyala, preventing habitat saturation and enhancing genetic diversity.
International Cooperation
India plays an active role in the International Big Cats Alliance, which promotes coordinated efforts to conserve big cat species globally. The species is also a priority under the Species Recovery Initiative, part of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats Scheme.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary – An Emerging Habitat
Situated across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts of Gujarat, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary covers 192.31 sq. km. Declared a sanctuary in 1979, it is rich in medicinal flora such as Gorad, Babul, and Bamboo, and shelters species like Sambar, Chital, and Chinkara. Conservationists see Barda as a promising second habitat for the Asiatic lion.
Static GK fact: The Barda hills once served as strategic territories for the royal families of Porbandar and Jamnagar.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Triumph in Asiatic Lion Conservation:
| Fact | Detail |
| Asiatic Lion Population 1990 | 284 |
| Asiatic Lion Population 2025 | 891 |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable (IUCN), Schedule I WPA 1972, Appendix I CITES |
| Primary Habitat | Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Secondary Habitat Development | Barda Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Project Lion Launch Year | 2020 |
| Greater Gir Expansion Areas | Girnar, Pania, Mitiyala |
| Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Location | Porbandar & Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat |
| Barda Sanctuary Area | 192.31 sq. km |
| Year Declared Sanctuary | 1979 |
