Overview

• The 2025 census recorded 891 Asiatic lions, up from 674 in 2020, marking a 32.2% increase over five years.
• The census, conducted from May 10 to 13, covered 35,000 sq km across 11 districts using advanced methods like Direct Beat Verification and camera traps.
• Of the total population, 507 lions were found outside protected sanctuaries, highlighting challenges of human-lion conflict and habitat management.
• Three new satellite populations were documented, including in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, marking a significant expansion in lion distribution.
• The conservation success is attributed to Gujarat’s ₹2,927-crore Project Lion, which focuses on habitat restoration, prey base enhancement, and community engagement.