Context: Lion count grows by 32% in 5 years, expands beyond protected areas

Source: The Hindu

India’s lion population, exclusively concentrated in Gujarat, has risen by 32% between 2020 and 2025, with 891 lions reported, according to a report from the Gujarat Forest Department. The number of adult females-a proxy for future growth-rose by 27% to 330 individuals.

Though the highest number of lion-394-have been observed in the Gir National Park and Paniya Wildlife Sanctuary, considered the source population. More lions have now been reported outside the core protected zone than inside. This translated to increasing proximity to human settlements and subsequent conflict.

In theory, Gujarat can host up to 2,000 lions, but that is due to the availability of prey. This is evidenced by the rising number of cattle carcasses. The Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, which is home to translocated Cheetahs, was originally intended to be a new habitat for lions.

In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved Project Lion, a 2,900 crores project to improve Lion habitat and develop new habitat within Gujarat.

From 2015 to 2020, the territorial range of the lions extended to 30,000 sq.km reflecting a 36.4% growth. By 2025, the area reached 35,000 sq.km, registering a 16.67% increase.

Model Question:

Discuss the significance of Project Lion in the context of wildlife conservation in India. What are the key components of the project, and how does it address the challenges faced by the Asiatic lion population?

Model Answer:

Project Lion is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India in 2020 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It aims to ensure the long-term conservation of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), currently found only in the Gir landscape of Gujarat. It is part of India’s broader effort to protect its unique and endangered fauna.

Significance of Project Lion:

1. Species Conservation: Asiatic lions are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Their restricted single population in Gir makes them vulnerable to epidemics, natural disasters, and anthropogenic threats.
2. Ecological Importance: As apex predators, lions play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance in the dry deciduous forest and savanna ecosystems.
3. Cultural and National Identity: The Asiatic lion is a symbol of India’s natural heritage and appears in the national emblem.

Key Components of Project Lion:

1. Landscape-level Management: Focus on the entire Gir ecosystem and adjoining areas, involving multiple protected areas like Gir National Park, Girnar, Mitiyala, and coastal forests.
2. Advanced Technology: Use of satellite telemetry, camera traps, and drones for real-time monitoring.
3. Gene Pool Conservation: Genetic strengthening and health management through dedicated breeding programs and veterinary care.
4. Mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict: Incentivizing local communities, improving awareness, and promoting lion-friendly practices.
5. Lion Reintroduction Program: Identifying alternative habitats outside Gujarat (e.g., Kuno-Palpur in Madhya Pradesh) to reduce overdependence on a single habitat.
6. Disease Surveillance: Establishment of a state-of-the-art disease diagnosis and research center.

Challenges Addressed:

1. Risks of inbreeding and genetic bottlenecks
2. Human-lion conflict due to expanding population
3. Lack of geographic diversity
4. Emerging zoonotic threats and disease outbreaks (e.g., CDV – Canine Distemper Virus)

Project Lion marks a progressive step toward science-based, inclusive, and ecosystem-level conservation in India. If effectively implemented, it can not only secure the future of the Asiatic lion but also set a global precedent for single-population species conservation.