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4w ago

Gujarat's Asiatic Lion Population Reaches 891, Marking a 32% Increase Since 2020

Conservation efforts have driven significant growth, but experts stress the need for a second independent population to mitigate risks and address rising human-lion conflicts.

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Overview

  • The latest 2025 census recorded 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat, a 32% increase from 2020 and a 70.36% rise over the past decade.
  • The lion population now spans 11 districts in Gujarat, with Amreli district hosting the highest count at 339 lions.
  • Conservation successes include habitat expansion from 6,600 sq km in 1990 to 35,000 sq km in 2025, alongside robust anti-poaching measures and community involvement.
  • Human-lion conflicts have grown as nearly half of the lion population resides in areas outside protected zones, leading to increased livestock attacks near human settlements.
  • Experts emphasize the urgency of establishing a geographically isolated second population to safeguard against threats like disease outbreaks and environmental disasters.