RESTRICTED IN GIR

Despite ample scientific evidence and a Supreme Court order to translocate lions from Gir forest of Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, the shift to establish a second wild population has not happened

- RAVI CHELLAM

THE ASIATIC lion (Panthera leoleo), found only in and around Gujarat's Gir forests, is an excellent example of India's success in conserving a species once on the brink of extinction. Reports from the late 1800s and early 1900s indicate that lion population then was as low as 20. From that to 674 lions in 2020, as per an estimate by the Gujarat government, has taken more than 100 years and the efforts of many individuals, wildlife managers, scientists, conservationists and communities, especially those living within the Gir Protected Area and in the larger landscape used by the lion. This needs to be acknowledged and celebrated because long-term success of conservation requires constant monitoring and proactive actions. World Lion Day, celebrated on August 10, is a good occasion to take a look at the conservation status of this endangered species, the risks it faces and the actions needed to strengthen its long-term conservation.

The 2020 estimate shows that 329 of the 674 lions (nearly 50 per cent of the population) are found outside the protected areas. Of the 30,000 sq km, in which lion presence has been recorded, only about 1,650 sq km is in five protected areas (three of these being adjacent to each other), which range from less than 20 sq km to a little more than 1,150 sq km. The estimate further shows that the number of lions outside the protected areas has nearly doubled-from 167 to 329since the last count in 2015. This is an increase of 162 lions. By comparison, the number within the protected areas has reduced by 11 lions, from 356 in 2015.