Asiatic Lions Return to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary After 144 Years

Gujarat’s Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is being recognized as the second home of the Asiatic lion, which is separate from the Gir forest region. As per the lion population estimate of 2025, there are 17 Asiatic lions, comprising of six adult lions and 11 cubs, in the Barda sanctuary. This is happening after a gap of about 144 years and it is a very significant step in terms of expansion of habitat for the only wild Asiatic lions of India. There have also been scientific studies conducted about the suitability of Barda for long-term survival of lions.

Why is the Return of Asiatic Lions to Barda Significant?

The return of Asiatic lions to Barda is significant as it might help in decreasing the dependence of the species on a single core habitat.

Despite the gradual extension of Asiatic lions to some parts of the larger Saurashtra landscape apart from Gir, Barda is considered to be an important addition to their natural habitat.

Habitat protection, sufficient prey, scientific monitoring, and preventing man-lion conflict would be some of the important factors that could determine the success of Barda as a second habitat for Asiatic lions.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary: Location and Important Details

The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Saurashtra area in Gujarat state, spanning Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. The size of the area is approximately 192.31 sq. km and its distance from Porbandar town is around 15 km, as per the information provided. It is declared as a sanctuary in 1979.

How Did Asiatic Lions Become Reintroduced into Barda?

This reintroduction process commenced through the natural dispersal of a male Asiatic lion from the Gir landscape into the Barda area in January 2023, and thereafter five females were brought in by the Gujarat Forest Department.

This is consistent with the goal of the Gir-Barda conservation program that was started way back in 1979 for the purpose of providing another home to the species. The vegetation and environment at Barda bear similarities to the Gir landscape. The Forest Department has also made efforts towards prey-base enhancement, involving relocation of spotted deer and sambar from the Gir protected area.

Fauna and Flora of Barda

Besides the Asiatic lions, there are other species of animals found in the Barda sanctuary like leopards, hyenas, jackals, and deer. The flora in Barda includes babul, dhav, rayan, ber, jamun, bamboo, and medicinal plants such as guggal.

It is important for the ecological significance of Barda to have a wider habitat rather than just an increase in the lion population.