Asiatic Lion Population in Gujarat Rises to 891, Expands Across 11 Districts
Gandhinagar, May 21 – The population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has seen a significant increase over the past five years, rising from 674 in 2020 to an estimated 891 in 2025. The data was released by forest officials on Wednesday following the completion of the 16th Asiatic Lion Census conducted earlier this month.
As per agency report, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel confirmed the rise in lion numbers while speaking to the media, highlighting the success of ongoing conservation efforts. The new figures indicate a substantial growth in lion populations, now spread beyond their traditional habitat in the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary to 11 districts across the Saurashtra region.
According to the forest department, the current population includes 196 adult males, 330 adult females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs. This distribution marks not only a numerical increase but also a territorial expansion of the species.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Jaipal Singh stated that 384 lions were recorded within Gir National Park and its adjacent sanctuaries, while 507 lions were found in areas beyond, including protected zones such as Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar, and Barda, as well as in coastal and non-forest regions. The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, located around 15 kilometers from Porbandar, was found to be home to 17 lions. In Bhavnagar district, one pride alone comprised 17 lions, the highest number recorded in a single group.
The lion census was conducted in two phases from May 10 to 13, covering 35,000 square kilometers across 58 talukas in 11 districts. Over 3,000 participants, including volunteers, regional officers, beat officers, and data collectors, took part in the exercise.
For enhanced accuracy, the forest department employed the “Direct Beat Verification” technique for the first time, alongside advanced tools such as camera traps, high-resolution cameras, and radio collars to track lion movements and identify individuals based on physical markings, age, sex, and GPS locations.
This extensive survey recorded lion presence in districts including Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar, and Botad, reflecting a broad and healthy distribution of the species across Gujarat.
The Gujarat forest department conducts the Asiatic lion census every five years, and the latest results reaffirm the state’s pivotal role in the global conservation of this iconic and endangered species.
