Once confined to the 1,412 square kilometre area of the Gir forest, Asiatic lions are now sighted across all districts of Saurashtra, covering an expansive range of 35,000 square kilometres. Government sources indicate that despite the shrinking core area of Gir, the lions have not retreated deeper into the forest. Instead, favourable weather and abundant resources have encouraged them to establish themselves in other districts.
Barada Dungar is the latest example of this expansion. In 2023, a single adult lion naturally arrived in the area, and the 2025 census has recorded the presence of 17 lions there. Rich in biodiversity, the region hosts over 650 plant species, lush grasslands, and abundant prey such as chital, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, along with predators like leopards, jackals, and a variety of raptors including vultures and eagles. More than 260 bird species also thrive here, making it an ideal habitat for lions.
Historically, Asiatic lions were found across states such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, as well as in some foreign territories. Today, their presence in Saurashtra extends beyond Junagadh and Gir Somnath to include Amreli, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Surendranagar. However, official projects aimed at permanently settling lions outside Gir are progressing at a slow pace.
At the Rajkot zoo, located near Aji Dam, as many as 50 lions have been born to date. Through an exchange system with other zoos across the country, the facility has also brought in several new species of animals and birds. Meanwhile, construction is underway on a large lion safari near Randarda Lake, which is expected to become a major tourist attraction in the near future.
