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India’s Asiatic lion population soars to record 891

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India’s Asiatic lion population soars to record 891

New Delhi, Aug 10: India’s pride roared a little louder on World Lion Day 2025 as Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that the Asiatic lion population has climbed to 891, a 32% jump since 2020 and the highest figure in modern history. Addressing a gathering at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Devbhumi Dwarka, Yadav called the rise “a global symbol of successful wildlife conservation” and traced the species’ remarkable recovery from just 284 lions in 1990. “If the Asiatic lion exists anywhere in the world today, it is in Gir, Gujarat, a testament to decades of relentless conservation,” he said, crediting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who launched Project Lion in 2020 to safeguard the “King of the Jungle.”

The minister lauded forest officials, local communities, and wildlife enthusiasts for their role in reversing the lion’s decline. He said India’s conservation policies, rooted in co-existence, have not only doubled the population in a decade but also positioned Gujarat as the undisputed global home of the species. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel echoed the sentiment, describing the Asiatic lion as both “the pride of Gujarat and the heritage of India.” He said the state’s conservation drive has restored lions to the Barda region after 143 years, marking a milestone in ecological balance.mPatel also unveiled a ₹180-crore wildlife conservation initiative aimed at expanding lion habitats, upgrading veterinary care, and boosting eco-tourism infrastructure.

“Proactive habitat management, human–wildlife conflict mitigation, and community livelihood programmes will ensure that the roar of the Asiatic lion never fades,” he said.

Project Lion: First announced by PM Modi during his 74th Independence Day address in 2020, Project Lion is a 10-year, ₹2,927.71-crore plan to secure the species’ long-term survival. It includes a National Referral Centre for wildlife healthcare in Junagadh district, and the expansion of lion habitats beyond Gir to reduce pressure on core areas. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 192 sq km across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, is emerging as the species’ second home. Natural migration in 2023 led to a population of 17 lions, six adults and 11 cubs, and plans are underway for a 248-hectare safari park to promote eco-tourism. The Government of India has granted in-principle approval for the Barda Safari Park and Zoo, expected to boost both conservation and local economies.

World Lion Day celebrations were held simultaneously across 11 districts of the Greater Gir Lion Landscape, home to around 35,000 sq km of the lions’ range. Lakhs of students participated, with satellite-linked events reaching classrooms in towns and villages. From the wilderness of Gir to the grasslands of Barda, the numbers tell a story of revival, one forged by scientific management, community involvement, and political will.

Greater Kashmir